Most people seeing Bernadette Soares today know the businesswoman, the political candidate and the woman standing for New Zealand First in Upper Harbour.
But that’s not where her story started.
For Episode 2 of Past The Name, we go right back to India.
Bernadette speaks about growing up in a wealthy family, being surrounded by servants and not fully understanding how privileged that upbringing was until she eventually left India and started again in New Zealand.
She talks about her father, a senior public servant who she says refused bribes even when money, gifts and pressure were put in front of him. She recalls the threats he received, the example he set for his family and why integrity became such a big part of her own life.
We get into religion too.
Being raised Catholic. Becoming a Christian at 15. Faith. Family. Marriage. Motherhood.
Then in 1989, Bernadette came to New Zealand with her husband and, as she tells it, only around US$500 available to start their new life.
No empire.
No political career.
Just a new country and plenty of mahi ahead.
Bernadette talks about the jobs she worked, the workplace bullying she experienced and how that eventually led to years of advocacy around bullying in the workplace.
She became an author.
An entrepreneur.
And built a career in the beauty industry through businesses and brands including Natural Glow.
New Zealand First’s current candidate profile lists Bernadette as its Upper Harbour candidate and describes her as a business owner, community advocate and mother of three who has lived in New Zealand for more than 37 years.
But this conversation goes further than the campaign profile.
Bernadette talks about her previous political journeys, what she says she learned from them and why she chose New Zealand First this time around.
She speaks about immigration, how different migration was when she arrived, her views on India and Narendra Modi, the proposed India free trade agreement, and why she says her loyalty in politics sits with New Zealand regardless of where she was born.
We also talk about business, raising children, becoming a mother and why she believes the future her children inherit is one of the biggest reasons she keeps putting herself forward.
The 2026 General Election is scheduled for 7 November 2026.
But this episode isn’t just about an election.
It’s about the woman before the campaign signs.
India.
Faith.
Family.
$500.
Starting again.
Building businesses.
Getting knocked around.
Getting back up.
And eventually putting her name forward for public office.
You might know Bernadette Soares the candidate.
This is the story of Bernadette Soares before the politics.
Past The Name. Episode 2.
Bernadette Soares.
