Labour MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel Shares Summer Plans and Reflections

Labour MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel recently opened up about her summer plans, revealing a blend of cherished family traditions and personal interests. As the parliamentary session winds down, she looks forward to reconnecting with her roots in Rangitukia and spending quality time with her growing family.

Family Connections and Culinary Traditions

Tangaere-Manuel expressed her excitement about returning to her home, where she plans to spend time with family, especially her new mokopuna, or grandchildren. “It’s going to be really good to get back not just to my own house, but to my family,” she said. The MP noted that several new grandchildren were born this year, and she anticipates enjoying their company and sharing in the joy of family life.

When it comes to summer meals, Tangaere-Manuel’s family tradition revolves around hāngī, a traditional Māori method of cooking. “Last year, for the first time, our niece took over,” she recalled. “It was a completely stress-free experience compared to how we go about it.” Her usual contributions include bringing ham and preparing shrimp salad, but she is excited to see how her niece manages the preparations this year.

Summer Indulgences and Recommendations

As for summer beverages, Tangaere-Manuel enjoys crafting mimosas for her adult family members. “Now that I’m of a certain vintage, I do like to prepare some mimosas while we’re going around prepping,” she shared. This touch adds a festive spirit to their gatherings and highlights her role in the family celebrations.

In terms of reading, Tangaere-Manuel recently completed a speed reading course that led her to a book titled “The Necklace” by Cheryl Jarvis. The book tells the true story of a group of women who co-invested in a diamond necklace, which evolved from a personal vanity project to a catalyst for community fundraising and empowerment. “It’s an inspiring story about personal growth,” she noted, indicating her preference for personal development literature over fiction.

While her busy schedule as a politician limits her TV and podcast time, Tangaere-Manuel remains open to recommendations for inspiring shows to enjoy during her downtime. “A luxury politicians don’t really have is to binge stuff,” she remarked, acknowledging the demands of her role.

For her summer road trips, she fondly remembers the Black Seeds, a band that evokes memories of driving along the scenic routes of New Zealand. “For some reason, Black Seeds just came to my mind,” she commented, highlighting the connection between music and her summer adventures.

As for her favorite swimming spot, Tangaere-Manuel reminisced about her childhood swimming hole, located less than 100 meters from her home. However, she noted that climate change has affected its depth, making it less suitable for swimming. “Now the mission is to find a hole deep enough for us to immerse ourselves in,” she explained, hinting at the ongoing challenge of finding suitable swimming locations.

In conclusion, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel is poised to embrace a summer filled with family, food, and personal growth. Her reflections on traditional customs and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones highlight the importance of community and heritage in her life as a public servant.