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Wellington, February 18, 2023
The National Party has selected businessman Siva Kilari as its candidate in the Manurewa electorate for the ensuing election in October.
He issued the following Statement through the National Party office in Wellington.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to campaign for a National Government as National’s candidate in Manurewa. As we continue to recover from two devastating weather events, my thoughts are with everyone across Manurewa dealing with damage to their homes and businesses. My first priority is supporting the community through this. I am also thinking of those on the East Coast who are facing a huge loss.
“When I moved to New Zealand from India more than 20 years ago, I worked as a supermarket cleaner and a pizza delivery driver before working hard to build my business into what it is today. I am standing as National’s candidate in Manurewa because I want to give back to a country that has given so much to me.
People’s challenges
“Labour’s cost-of-living crisis is pushing families in Manurewa to their limit. People in Manurewa work hard to support each other but they’re stretching themselves more and more as the Government’s economic mismanagement causes mortgage repayments, rent and the cost of the basics to skyrocket.
“As a business owner, I understand that we must support our businesses to strengthen our economy and our community. Only National can deliver a strong economy so we can reduce the cost of living, lift incomes for all, build infrastructure, restore law and order and deliver better outcomes in health and education.
“I am aspirational for South Auckland and will work incredibly hard to deliver if I earn the right to advocate for Manurewa as its next local MP in Chris Luxon’s National team.”
Mr Kilari owns and operates Universal Granite and Marble, a benchtop stone wholesale business which he established in Auckland. He came to New Zealand as an international student in 2002 and since then has worked in a range of industries has and been involved with several community and charity organisations in South Auckland.
About Siva Kilari
Born and raised in India, Siva Kilari gained a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Mathematics from the University of Madras. After moving to New Zealand in 2002, he earned a Diploma in Business from UCOL and an Automotive Engineering qualification from Unitec.
Siva worked in a number of roles across several industries before establishing Universal Granite and Marble and building it into New Zealand’s largest benchtop stone wholesaler.
Through his business and individually, Siva has supported a range of community organisations over the years. These include the Telangana Association of New Zealand, the Auckland Tamil Association, BBM and the Sulu Ole Ola Youth Church.
Siva lives in Auckland with his wife Vishnu Priya and their two children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing cricket.
