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
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29 May 2023