Cushla Tangaere-Manuel won by 2,874 votes in 2023 — just 1,437 voters switching to a challenger would have flipped Ikaroa-Rāwhiti.
In the news
Coverage naming Ikaroa-Rāwhiti or Cushla, from our tracked feeds.
No coverage naming Ikaroa-Rāwhiti or its MP yet in our tracked feeds — this fills in automatically as outlets report on the race.
The roster
The defender's record, and who's confirmed to challenge them in 2026.
Won Ikaroa-Rāwhiti by a majority of 2,874 in 2023 — a marginal seat.
Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the Labour Party. She represents the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate and was first elected at the 2023 general election. Prior to entering parliament, Tangaere-Manuel worked as a broadcaster for TVNZ and Whakaata Māori, and as a sports administrator.
From Parliament's official bills record, as at 24 June 2026.
Members' bill in the ballot (1)
Fair Trading (Cancellation of Subscription Contracts) Amendment Bill
Written questions to Ministers this term
What is this, and why does it matter to you? Any MP can put a written question to a Minister to formally demand information on the record — the Minister must reply, usually within days. It costs nothing and needs no debate, which makes it the main day-to-day tool MPs use to hold the government accountable between bills — especially for opposition MPs, who can't pass laws but can still force information into the open. Which Ministers an MP questions most, below, is a real, numbers-based picture of what they're actually watching on your behalf — worth comparing against what they say they prioritise.
1,106written questions asked since the 2023 election
Where it's gone — by Minister
Minister of Forestry
397
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
280
Minister for Sport and Recreation
143
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery
140
+ 146 more across other Ministers.
Recent questions and replies, in Cushla's and the Minister's own words
To the Minister of Forestry · 2026-07-06
"What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 29 June 2026, by title and date?"
Reply not yet due or not yet published.
To the Minister of Forestry · 2026-07-06
"What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 29 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?"
Reply not yet due or not yet published.
To the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery · 2026-07-06
"What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 29 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?"
Reply not yet due or not yet published.
To the Minister of Forestry · 2026-06-22
"What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 15 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?"
Reply: I refer the Member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a weekly update.
To the Minister of Forestry · 2026-06-22
"What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 15 June 2026, by title and date?"
