ISSUE
Friday, March 27, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 12
The Labour Party has selected medical doctor and former MP Dr Anae Neru Leavasa as its candidate for the Botany electorate for the 2026 election.
Announcing his candidacy, Dr Leavasa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and signalled an energetic campaign ahead. “I’m honoured that the Labour Party has placed its trust in me as the candidate for this wonderful electorate. I’ll repay that trust with a high-energy campaign to win the seat for Labour,” Dr Anae Neru Leavasa said.
Dr Leavasa emphasised that healthcare investment remains a key priority for him, drawing on his background as a medical professional. He also welcomed Labour's policy to fund three free GP visits, calling it a significant step toward improving access to primary care for everyday Kiwis.
Outlining his broader vision, he said: “I believe we can strengthen our communities and our country by getting more of the basics right, creating jobs and improving housing as well as making health care more accessible for every family in Aotearoa.”
Looking ahead, Dr Leavasa said he intends to build on his experience to deliver positive outcomes for communities if returned to Parliament. “I’m committed to serving my community and ready to work hard to increase opportunities for all.”
Dr Leavasa, an Aucklander of Samoan descent, previously served as the MP for Takanini from 2020 to 2023. He has also been an elected member of the Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board.
In a 2023 interview with The Indian Weekender, Leavasa said it was a privilege to engage with the Kiwi-Indian community. He also expressed his appreciation for the Indian community in Auckland, reflecting on his time as a local board member prior to entering Parliament in 2020.
“What I love about the temple and the Indian community is the hospitality. You go there, you have a nice tea, have food, and then you go and you honour the Lord…that people are serving as well. So, it's been a great opportunity to serve. I go so often to the Takanini gurdwara that some people even say, ‘We should start calling you Neru Singh!," he said in his 2023 interview.
Professionally, Dr Leavasa brings extensive experience in frontline general practice and has held senior leadership roles within New Zealand’s primary care system. He has also served in governance and advisory positions across health, education, and community organisations.
He is currently the Clinical Director of a local Primary Health Organisation (PHO), where he provides oversight and strategic leadership to more than 45 general practice clinics serving 165,000 enrolled patients across Auckland.
Dr Leavasa has lived in Botany and South Auckland for over 40 years.
The Labour Party has selected medical doctor and former MP Dr Anae Neru Leavasa as its candidate for the Botany electorate for the 2026 election.
Announcing his candidacy, Dr Leavasa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and signalled an energetic campaign ahead. “I’m honoured that the Labour...
The Labour Party has selected medical doctor and former MP Dr Anae Neru Leavasa as its candidate for the Botany electorate for the 2026 election.
Announcing his candidacy, Dr Leavasa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and signalled an energetic campaign ahead. “I’m honoured that the Labour Party has placed its trust in me as the candidate for this wonderful electorate. I’ll repay that trust with a high-energy campaign to win the seat for Labour,” Dr Anae Neru Leavasa said.
Dr Leavasa emphasised that healthcare investment remains a key priority for him, drawing on his background as a medical professional. He also welcomed Labour's policy to fund three free GP visits, calling it a significant step toward improving access to primary care for everyday Kiwis.
Outlining his broader vision, he said: “I believe we can strengthen our communities and our country by getting more of the basics right, creating jobs and improving housing as well as making health care more accessible for every family in Aotearoa.”
Looking ahead, Dr Leavasa said he intends to build on his experience to deliver positive outcomes for communities if returned to Parliament. “I’m committed to serving my community and ready to work hard to increase opportunities for all.”
Dr Leavasa, an Aucklander of Samoan descent, previously served as the MP for Takanini from 2020 to 2023. He has also been an elected member of the Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board.
In a 2023 interview with The Indian Weekender, Leavasa said it was a privilege to engage with the Kiwi-Indian community. He also expressed his appreciation for the Indian community in Auckland, reflecting on his time as a local board member prior to entering Parliament in 2020.
“What I love about the temple and the Indian community is the hospitality. You go there, you have a nice tea, have food, and then you go and you honour the Lord…that people are serving as well. So, it's been a great opportunity to serve. I go so often to the Takanini gurdwara that some people even say, ‘We should start calling you Neru Singh!," he said in his 2023 interview.
Professionally, Dr Leavasa brings extensive experience in frontline general practice and has held senior leadership roles within New Zealand’s primary care system. He has also served in governance and advisory positions across health, education, and community organisations.
He is currently the Clinical Director of a local Primary Health Organisation (PHO), where he provides oversight and strategic leadership to more than 45 general practice clinics serving 165,000 enrolled patients across Auckland.
Dr Leavasa has lived in Botany and South Auckland for over 40 years.
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