Real Life with John Cowan

Shane was born and raised in the Bay of Plenty town of Kawerau. From an early age, he formed an interest in politics and became a Labour Party member when he was 14. Later, he would move to Auckland and become active in The Trade Union Movement, holding delegates roles at The Glue Pot Hotel and Middlemore Hospital. Since then, Shane has worked as a Union Official, campaign manager, and was a Labour Party candidate.

Today, Shane is now known as a political commentator, columnist, and Director and HR Manager for IT company, Mega. He also co-hosts a Sunday afternoon political show on Radio New Zealand called Party People - which provides a Māori lens on political parties, politicians and their policies. He is no longer a member of any political party but continues to support candidates and issues from across the political spectrum.