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Former National MP and Minister for Pacific Peoples Alfred Ngaro is back in the political ring announcing his return via Facebook this week.
Utilising social media, Ngaro launched his new party ‘NewZeal’, described as a party that stands for all New Zealanders.
The Christian-based party has five policy areas it will campaign on in the lead up to October 14. The five key points for NewZeal are Family, Finance, Future, Farming and Freedom.
Of Cook Island heritage, Ngaro stood as a list only candidate for National in 2011 and was the first Cook Islander to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament. He is known for
his strong Christian beliefs.
In 2016 he was promoted to Nationals Cabinet and served as Minister for Pacific Peoples, Community and Voluntary Sector, Associate Minister for Children, and
Associate Minister for Social Housing.
In the 2020 election, Ngaro contested the Te Atatū electorate. He lost to Labour’s Phil Twyford and given his low rank on the National list, he did not return to parliament.
In a series of promotional videos, Alfred says things are stressful for people and that the political scene is confusing. He says he is proud to lead the NewZeal party and make it simple for all New Zealanders.