Rarotonga-born lawyer Angee Nicholas, who moved to New Zealand with her family more than two decades ago, has been selected to stand for the National Party in the seat of Te Atatū in this year’s NZ General Election.

In a New Zealand National Party statement, Nicholas, 28, said: “I’m thrilled to be selected as National’s candidate in the part of Auckland I call home and I can’t wait to get campaigning.”

“As a local, I understand this community deeply and every day I see the effects of Labour’s economic mismanagement across Te Atatū. Families are struggling more than ever and the cost-of-living crisis will be my biggest priority if I earn the right to represent our community as its next MP.

“I love this community and want to see it succeed. I believe our best chance to do that is under a Chris Luxon-led National Government that will address the cost-of-living crisis, crack down on the crime we see in Te Atatū and take New Zealand forward.”

Nicholas was raised in West Auckland and has spent most of her upbringing in the Te Atatū electorate, attending Ranui Primary School and St Dominic’s College before gaining a Bachelor of Laws from Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

She lives in Te Atatū and works as a solicitor at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

Nicholas supports both her parents in running their family-owned security company and has also worked as a youth worker for the West City Youth Trust.

She is active in Auckland’s Pacific community and currently serves as the P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A West Auckland vice president, which is a branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Incorporated, an NGO for Pacific women living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nicholas has previously worked in a support role for former MP Nikki Kaye and as a youth worker for the West City Youth Trust.

She has always enjoyed serving in several volunteer and community roles and has been a TAHA tutor, teaching digital capability to Pasifika elders, the statement said.

In her church community Nicholas joined a group of youth and young adults in an initiative to feed the homeless, and at university served as the co-president for the Māori and Pacific Island Law Students Association.

“Labour has taken West Auckland for granted for too long. People here are battling rising costs across the board, congestion and crime and want action and follow-through, not just announcements and promises with no delivery,” Nicholas said.

“Te Atatū is a diverse community that deserves a new voice to fight for its future as part of an energised National team. I’ll be working hard to be that voice.”