Real Life with John Cowan

Hon Alfred Ngaro was raised in Te Atatū where he attended the local schools, played for the local Rugby clubs and an active member of Te Atatū St Giles Church. He trained and qualified as an electrician and also completed his theological degree at the Bible College of New Zealand.

Prior to entering Parliament, Alfred was a consultant in community-led development and governance with expertise in New Zealand, Cook Islands and Canada. He co-pioneered multiple community initiatives such as the Tamaki Achievement Pathway, Healthy Village Action Zone Project and the Inspiring Communities Exchange Network. He is also an Ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign, a global movement of men working to end male violence against women.

In 2009 Alfred received the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award in recognition of his leadership work within the community and entered Parliament as a List MP for the National Party in 2011. He was appointed Deputy Chair of the Justice and Electoral Select Committee, and later Deputy Chair of the Social Services Select Committee. Prior to the change of government, Alfred held four portfolio responsibilities as the Minister for the Voluntary Sector, Minister for Pacific Peoples, Associate Minister for Children and Associate Minister for Social Housing.

Alfred is of Cook Islands descent married to Samoan-Niuean Moka Fuemana with four children and two grandchildren.