16 Facts About Cushla Tangaere-Manuel

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the Labour Party.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel represents the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate and was first elected at the 2023 general election.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel was born in Te Puia Springs and raised in Tikitiki.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel received her education at Ngata Memorial College, where she was head girl.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is from Rangitukia and spent time at Hinepare Marae while she was growing up.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel worked for many years as a broadcaster at both TVNZ and Whakaata Maori, including as a reporter on the TV series Marae and presenting the talent show Maorioke.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel was one of many women working in advocacy and leadership for East Coast rugby, including Kath McLean and Agnes Walker.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel saw women's rugby on the rise, and new headquarters built.

Campbell Dewes, who was chair during Cushla Tangaere-Manuel's tenure, said of her:.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel brought her reo and tikanga to the table and emphasised the importance of our whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, Ngati Poroutanga.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel has served on the boards of Kura Kaupapa Maori, iwi radio and the New Zealand Amateur Sports Association.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel ran as an electorate candidate only and was not on the party list.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel won the seat by a margin of 2,874 votes, and was one of just two new MPs elected in Labour's defeat in 2023 along with Reuben Davidson.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel retained the forestry portfolio and gained the Maori economy and sports and recreation portfolios.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel lost the tourism and hospitality, and cyclone recovery portfolios.

On 11 March 2025, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel was appointed assistant whip of the Labour Party.