Tangi Utikere

Tangi Utikere is a New Zealand politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Palmerston North since 2020. Of Cook Islands descent, he previously served as the deputy mayor of Palmerston North from 2016 to 2020, becoming the first non-Pākehā to hold that position. A former history teacher and Justice of the Peace, Utikere has held various leadership roles within the Labour Party, including Chief Government Whip and Deputy Leader of the House. His legislative work includes the successful passage of the Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Bill, which increased transparency for local council members.