FIVE MINUTES WITH MAHESH MURALIDHAR

A Ponsonby local, Mahesh was recently selected as the National Party candidate for Auckland Central.

Formerly a senior executive at multiple global technology startups, he currently mentors and backs some of New Zealand’s brightest and most innovative talent.

Tell us a little about yourself

I was born in India and spent my childhood in Singapore before moving here on my own at the age of 14. I studied at the University of Auckland, lived and worked in the CBD for eight years and was one of the first baristas at Starbucks on Queen Street. My wife and I married on Waiheke and live in Ponsonby.

Like many Kiwis, I travelled for my OE, working in Tokyo, Mumbai and Sydney. I gained valuable and diverse professional experience along the way – but this was always home and I’m excited about the opportunity to serve my community.

Have you always been interested in innovation and startups?

Yes – I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and want to understand why things work (or don’t) and how we can make them better. When I was a uni student, we didn’t have access to the business world so I decided to start the UOA’s Management Consulting Club. It’s still going strong as one of the largest clubs on campus.

I’ve had my share of tough times, but I’ve also been successful. It’s about what you learn from the experience and how you apply those lessons.

You were the first Head of People at design giant Canva. What was that like?

It was fantastic. Canva is a great example of truly understanding a problem, and delivering a solution that scales globally. When I joined, it was a 25-person operation that started in the founder’s living room. Today, it has 3000 staff, is used by 100 million people each month and is worth $40 billion. It was incredible to be part of the leadership team that drove this growth.

I’ve seen firsthand the value that innovation can generate for consumers, businesses and society, and I want to help unlock that value for Auckland.

So why are you running for Parliament?

I love Auckland Central and I want it to be the best place to live and work – not just for all of us, but for future generations. We need people with real world leadership to help make this happen. I’m a problem solver who gets things done, with a track record of building great businesses, navigating complex multimillion dollar projects and working effectively with people from all walks of life, and I’ll apply those same skills to deliver for our electorate.

I’ll work to deliver a city which is safe and accessible, to turbocharge our economy and lift incomes for all, and address climate change through innovation and clean tech. Let’s get Auckland safe, Auckland moving and Auckland winning!

Three things about you that may surprise our readers?

• I won reality TV show ‘Going Straight’ – NZ’s Fear Factor – in 2004

I make a mean espresso martini

• I’m an ever optimistic Tottenham Hotspurs fan

Contact details: T: 021 077 2607, national.org.nz/MaheshMuralidhar Facebook: MaheshMuralidharAucklandCentral

MELISSA LEE: NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN AUCKLAND

As I write this, Budget 2023 has just been delivered and it’s yet another example of wasteful spending that fails to address the core issues New Zealanders will be struggling with this election.

Labour’s Budget is a complete spending spree that will mean interest rates are higher for longer with many households refixing their mortgages over the coming year. New Zealand families will pay for years to come as a result of Labour’s failure to help the squeezed middle and end the cost-of-living crisis.

National will bring relief for Kiwi households and ensure our economy grows, our families thrive and our country gets some relief from Labour’s years of neglect.

As many of you will have read, listened to or watched on the news over the last few days, there have been yet more ram raids and violent crime incidents across Mt Albert and the Auckland region. From the road rage incident outside St Lukes Road that saw a 15-year-old taken to hospital after a barrage of gun fire, to the constant stream of overnight crime waves targeting small businesses in our communities.

The lawlessness and the lack of support to address the fear and anxiety of our households must end.

On 2 June at 7pm at the Mt Albert Senior Citizens Hall, I’ll be hosting a public meeting to address the challenges we have all been facing. Joining me, will be my friend and caucus colleague Mark Mitchell, alongside some key community representatives, as we work together to find solutions for the shocking situation we’ve been forced to live in across Auckland. Details are being shared across digital billboards, community newspapers and, of course, here in Ponsonby News. I encourage you all to come along with your stories and have your voices heard.

As we enter the winter months the reality of New Zealand’s winter of discontent will begin to bite many households with increased heating costs, no-frills shopping baskets at the checkout and a general sense our country has been unable to move forward despite the hardships and spartan starkness of the past three years.

Looking ahead to October, with spring and renewal, I know a return to a National Government will ensure the harsh days will end and an economically prosperous successful and confident New Zealand can return.

With best wishes for King’s Birthday, hope for better months ahead and looking forward to seeing some of you at the public meeting! (MELISSA LEE)  PN

National Member of Parliament. National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities

E: mplee@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington