Tangi Utikere: from local roots to parliamentary leadership
Tangi Utikere, a prominent Massey University alumnus, currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Palmerston North. His professional background, a blend of local government and education, has significantly shaped his approach to serving the community.
Education and influential experiences at Massey University
Tangi’s story is deeply rooted in the community of Palmerston North, a city he has called home for his entire life. Born in 1980, Tangi grew up in a family that valued hard work and education despite neither of his parents having a formal education. His father hails from the Cook Islands, and his mother is a Kiwi. They instilled in their children the importance of education and community service. Tangi reminisces, “My parents worked extremely hard to support me and my siblings through education. This dedication is a strong characteristic of Pacific families, who work tirelessly to provide better opportunities for their children.”
Tangi’s academic journey began at Massey University, a decision strongly supported by his family. As the eldest child and the first in his family to attend university, Tangi pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Triple Major in History, Political Science, and Social Policy, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary). Reflecting on his time at Massey, Tangi emphasises, “Massey equipped me with the set of tools necessary for my professional journey. The education I received was not just academic but also practical, preparing me for diverse roles in education and public service.”
The courses and experiences at Massey had a lasting impact on Tangi’s career. He shares, “The history courses were particularly influential, leading me to become a history teacher. My degree’s social policy and political science components naturally influenced my understanding of government structures and public service.” Tangi credits Massey with providing a solid foundation that enabled him to transition smoothly from education into politics, underscoring how his academic background helped him understand and engage with diverse communities.
Career in local government
Tangi’s entry into public service began at a local level. In 2010, he was elected to the Palmerston North City Council, making history as the first elected member of Pasifika heritage. Significant contributions to multiculturalism, education, resource management, and racing marked his decade-long tenure on the council. In 2016, he was appointed Deputy Mayor, a role he held until his election to Parliament in 2020. Reflecting on his local government experience, Tangi says, “Local government is a fantastic training ground. You work with various people on various issues, learning to find common ground and making decisions that impact the community.”
As the first elected member of Pasifika heritage in Palmerston North, Tangi has been a trailblazer for Pacific representation in local government. “For me, it was about bringing my Pacifica history and culture into the decision-making process,” he explains. His leadership roles - chairing various committees and serving as Deputy Mayor - have been a source of pride for the Pacific community. Tangi emphasises, “I was able to represent the Pacific community and provide them with a direct link to the council’s decision-making processes.”
Working across the political spectrum
In 2020, Tangi took his public service to the national stage, being elected as the Member of Parliament for Palmerston North. His extensive experience in local government prepared him well for the responsibilities of politics. Tangi has served on several key parliamentary committees, including the Governance & Administration and Environment Select Committees, and chaired the Health Select Committee. He is currently Labour’s Chief Whip and the opposition spokesperson for Transport, Oceans and Fisheries, Racing, and Associate Education (Pacific).
Tangi’s ability to work collaboratively across the political spectrum has been a career hallmark. He has successfully shepherded through two bills that became law, one of which was passed unanimously by every party in Parliament. “Working across the political spectrum to deliver change for the community is something I’m very proud of,” he adds.
Tangi explains his strategy for finding common ground on contentious issues: “Our select committee process is very collegial. We all work closely together, and while we might vote against something or not be happy with it in the end, the process allows for community engagement and cross-party collaboration.”
He emphasises the importance of understanding community needs in his professional journey. “You need to understand your community and what they need and want. To be a good representative, you must connect to your community to be a strong voice for local interests. As a parliamentarian, you contribute to decision-making on issues that may or may not affect Palmerston North. Still, you need to understand your community’s perspectives to bring those views to the table. Otherwise, you cannot be an adequate representative.”
As Labour’s Chief Whip, Tangi’s day-to-day work involves ensuring that colleagues have the tools to do their jobs effectively. “My role is to work with the party leadership and colleagues to ensure they are fully supported, whether it’s staffing, budgets, training opportunities, or logistics. I manage the party’s presence in committees and Parliament, approve leave, and cast all votes for the Labour Party. It’s about logistics, but the main role is ensuring our team can reflect Labour’s values and represent our communities effectively.”
Balancing professional and personal life
Balancing the demanding nature of his role with his personal life is a constant challenge for Tangi. “It can be very difficult because you are away from home a lot. Parliament sits long hours, and with my portfolio responsibilities, I need to connect with communities across the country.” Despite the challenges, Tangi makes a concerted effort to protect family time. “When I’m relaxing, I travel for leisure, visit cafes, or read a book. Having a supportive family and team is crucial.”
Advice for Massey University students
Tangi encourages current and future Massey students to embrace the university’s opportunities. “Massey has always been home to me. It provided the foundation for my journey, equipping me with the tools needed for various roles in my career. I know it will continue to do the same for future students who choose Massey as their academic home.”