BIOGRAPHY
Anae Arthur Anae’s life journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to justice for Pacific peoples. Born on December 24, 1945, in Suva, Fiji, Anae spent his early childhood there before moving with his family to Samoa. His formative years were marked by humility, hard work, and an entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of five, he relocated to New Zealand, setting the stage for a life dedicated to breaking barriers and championing change.
From humble beginnings, Anae rose to become the first Pacific person elected to New Zealand’s Government. His career has spanned business ownership, local and national politics, and international advocacy. Anae’s impact is deeply felt in the Pacific community, where he has relentlessly pursued equality, fair policy, and recognition for Pacific Islanders both in New Zealand and abroad. His legacy is one of empowerment, opportunity, and the belief that every Pacific voice deserves to be heard.
CHILDHOOD
Anae Arthur Anae was born in Fiji on December 24, 1945. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Samoa, where he spent his earliest years immersed in the vibrant traditions and values of Pacific life. In October 1951, when Anae was just five years old, the family moved to New Zealand, seeking greater opportunities and a new beginning.
Even as a child, Anae displayed remarkable initiative and drive. He was known for his entrepreneurial streak, collecting and selling bottles and newspapers to earn pocket money. By Standard 4, he had secured his first school holiday job alongside his friend Errol Willis, pulling nails from demolition timber at Smith Demolition—a testament to his willingness to work hard from an early age.
These early experiences instilled in Anae a deep appreciation for community, responsibility, and perseverance. The challenges of adapting to a new country, combined with the strong values imparted by his family, laid the groundwork for a lifetime of service and leadership.
Arthur Anae was born in Suva, Fiji, and arrived
in New Zealand in October 1951 at the age of five.
Arthur Anae was born in Suva, Fiji
YOUTH
Anae’s formative years in Auckland were shaped by hard work, responsibility, and a deep respect for family. He attended Newton Central Primary School, Kowhai Intermediate, and Mt Albert Grammar School, where he balanced his studies with regular holiday jobs. At just 10 years old, Anae secured his first school holiday job, working with his friend Errol Willis at Smith Demolition, pulling nails from demolition timber—a clear sign of his early determination and work ethic.
Throughout his youth, Anae worked every school holiday, never shying away from any task, no matter how tough. What truly set him apart was his sense of duty to his family. Every paycheck he earned, he handed over to his mother, supporting his household until he turned 21. This lifelong habit of putting family first not only earned him respect but also instilled values of generosity, humility, and responsibility—traits that would guide him through his future business and political life.
These early experiences—balancing work, study, and family—helped shape Anae’s character, preparing him for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
1945
Born on December 24 in Suva, Fiji.
1999
Instrumental in passing the Portability Pension for Pacific Islanders
2024
Achieved partial success in his decades-long campaign for the citizenship rights of Samoans born between May 13, 1924, and December 31, 1948.
He is still pursuing the rights of a spouse born after January 1949 to someone born between May 13, 1924, and December 31, 1948, so that they have the same rights as per the previous council decision after 1982.
He is still advocating that people born between 1924 and 1948 should be entitled to 50% of the New Zealand pension, on the condition that they live in Samoa and have the freedom to travel between Samoa and New Zealand, because they will otherwise be denied and deprived of their rights as per the previous council decision in 1982.
IMPORTANT DATES
1951
Arrived in New Zealand at the age of five.
1987
Entered politics, running for Auckland City Council.
Became one of the first Pacific Islanders to stand for the National Party in Auckland.
1993
Elected to New Zealand Parliament as a list MP, becoming the first Pacific person in the government.
1996
2002
Established the Pacific Room in Parliament, a global first.
2025
Began advocating for Pacific people to be granted a visitor’s permit stamped into their passports upon arrival in New Zealand, aiming to simplify travel and foster stronger ties between the Pacific and New Zealand.
2004
Elected as a Manukau City Councillor, representing Otara.
2010
Became an Auckland Councillor following the amalgamation of Auckland’s councils.
FOR THE FUTURE
1. NZ Citizenship Rights:
a. The rights of spouses born after January 1, 1949.
b. 50% of the New Zealand pension is payable as long as they continue to live in Samoa.
2. Visitor Visas on Arrival into NZ for Pacific People.
3. Quota: When a person’s name is drawn from the ballot, they should be issued a 12-month work permit to come to New Zealand and find a job to meet the requirements of the Quota scheme.
4. Portability of Pension: A person who has worked in New Zealand for 20 years and has returned to their home country should be allowed to return to New Zealand prior to turning 65, and after retiring in New Zealand, be allowed to return to their island home and receive their full New Zealand pension.
2016
Appointed Chairman of the Asian Pacific Region for the UNESCO Cities Against Discrimination Committee.
ADULTHOOD
Anae’s adult life has been defined by a blend of entrepreneurial success, public service, and relentless advocacy for Pacific communities. He built a diverse business portfolio, including ownership of industrial and commercial properties, lodges, boarding houses, and rental housing. Notably, Anae owns a broiler chicken farm producing 600,000 chickens every six weeks and an egg farm with 30,000 laying chickens—ventures that highlight his business acumen and commitment to economic empowerment.
His political journey began in earnest in 1987 with his first run for Auckland City Council. Though unsuccessful, this experience laid the groundwork for future achievements. He was probably the only politician in the world to make a $50 donation to his opponent’s campaign. In 1993, Anae made history by standing for the Auckland seat for the National Party, and in 1996, he became the first Pacific person elected to New Zealand’s Government as a list MP. During his time in government, Anae was instrumental in the passage of key initiatives, including the portability of pensions to the Pacific and the establishment of the Pacific Room in government—a world first.
Anae’s advocacy extended beyond Parliament. In 1997, he founded the Mau Sitiseni Mo Samoa Group, campaigning for the restoration of citizenship rights to Samoans affected by the Samoa Citizenship Act 1982. His tireless work led to partial success in 2024, but he continues to fight for full justice for all affected.
After leaving Parliament in 2002, Anae continued his public service as a Manukau City Councillor from 2004, winning the Otara seat and later serving as an Auckland Councillor. He chaired the Economic Development Committee for both councils, focusing on community development and economic growth. In 2016, Anae was appointed Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region for UNESCO’s Cities Against Discrimination Committee, reflecting his international standing as a leader in the fight for equality.
Throughout his adulthood, Anae has remained dedicated to empowering Pacific peoples, advocating for fair policies, and building unity across the Pacific. His legacy is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
