Tangaere-Manuel is married and one of nine siblings and thanked her whanau and the community for supporting her journey.
“I was raised by the village and I’m accountable to the village. This remains true. The village has just grown to become the whole of Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and, indeed, anyone who feels I’m the right voice for you.”
She said she had been taught to serve from a young age.
“A life of service is what we were born into by our parents,” she said, fighting back tears.
“Our father was a reverend, historian, farmer, kura kaupapa tumuaki, but — more importantly — the best dad and papa, who was always present and extremely tolerant.
“He demonstrated the balance between taha Māori and Christianity, and loved to quote the Desiderata.”
She said she learned a lot from her time leading Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby.
“It was never merely about the oval ball. It was about pride - it’s still about pride - value, identity, setting pathways, and daring to dream ... rugby and politics [are] not so far removed.”
When an MP enters Parliament for the first time, they have the opportunity to deliver a 15-minute speech, including sharing what they hope to achieve.
Tangaere-Manuel sang a waiata to begin her maiden speech referring to her Ngāti Porou roots.
Gary Hamilton-Irvine is a Hawke’s Bay-based reporter who covers a range of news topics including business, councils, breaking news and cyclone recovery. He formerly worked at News Corp Australia.
