By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting
The country’s youngest Youth MP has dedicated his selection to his grandfather, who came from Sāmoa with his grandmother to build their future in Māngere.
Marques Tominiko, 15, says the South Auckland suburb is incredibly special to him.
“This is the land of opportunity. For me and my family, Māngere was the land of milk and honey.”
Marques is the youngest student to be selected for Youth Parliament, a nationwide development opportunity for those aged 16-18 to experience the political process and represent their communities.
It’s a full-circle moment for the De La Salle College student, who aspires to pursue politics in the future.
“I’m just feeling immensely proud of this achievement. I feel ready to serve my community.”
The young Sāmoan and proud Māngere resident, who will be 16 in time for Youth Parliament, acknowledges that the opportunity will take him to Wellington in July, but says he’s also interested in local politics.
“It’s through local politics that things get done locally … there’s so much red tape and so many levels to go through in national politics.”
He also acknowledged MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene, who previously worked in local politics and is the former local board chair for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu.
“I just feel like this is just the first step, and this is the first achievement of many,” he says.
Marques had to compete against other local students who share a strong connection to Māngere and wanted to become a youth MP.
“It shows the amount of talent and the gifts that our Māngere youth have. And it’s time for our Māngere youth to rise and be heard.”
He acknowledges that while only five candidates vied for the Youth MP role, thousands of young people in Māngere share the same talents.
In his speech, Marques advocated for education and highlighted the NCEA pass rates of schools in Māngere, focusing on improving them.
He also wants to improve student retention rates.
“Education is what made us succeed here in Māngere. So I intend to achieve more for the education of our young people in Māngere.”
While Marques acknowledged he lacked the formal leadership titles of other candidates, he says his passion for Māngere sets him apart.
“I’m not a head boy or in a committee, but I’ve lived here all my life. I’ll bring my all— my blood, sweat, and tears — to this role.”
Youth MPs participate in Youth Parliament as representatives of themselves and their community, and it’s for them to gain experience, Lemauga says.
“Our tupulaga are encouraged to speak on issues important to them, their families, and their communities.”
Marques’ mother, Margaret Tominiko, said his interest in politics started at a young age through discussions with his grandfather.
“I just wish his grandfather was here to see this. He’d be so proud.”
His father, Vaotui Seulupe Falaniko Tominiko II, added that Marques has always had a deep interest in politics, particularly Sāmoan governance.
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina, who chaired the selection panel, said Marques’ strong research and speech delivery made an impact.
“The competition was so close we had to recount the judges’ marks. I can’t speak for the other judges, but for me, it was the content of his statistics, the way he spoke. And I believe the research and the content of it.”
Filipaina believes the talent of the youth candidates and Marques’s selection signals a bright future for Māngere’s young leaders. “Our community is in good hands.”
With his selection, Marques hopes to inspire other young people to step forward, engage in politics, and be a voice for their community.
“Māngere has given me so much, and now it’s my turn to return the favour.”
The Youth MP will work alongside Lemauga from April 28 to August 29, 2025, with the support of their parents and school leaders. They will travel to Parliament in Wellington on July 1-2, 2025.
