Takanini is a rapidly developing electorate in South Auckland, capturing the explosive growth on the city's southern urban fringe. It encompasses a diverse mix of established suburbs and new housing developments, including Takanini, The Gardens, and Manukau Heights. The area is defined by its youthful demographic and immense cultural diversity, hosting one of the country's largest Asian populations - particularly a significant Indian and Sikh community - alongside strong Māori and Pasifika presence. This mix creates a dynamic local character, with busy retail precincts and community hubs reflecting the area's multicultural fabric. Politically, Takanini is a classic swing seat that serves as a bellwether for national trends. Created in 2020 to accommodate population growth, it was initially won by Labour’s Neru Leavasa during the "red wave" of that election. However, it swung decisively to the right in the 2023 general election, when National’s Rima Nakhle won the seat with a comfortable majority, reflecting the area's shifting political allegiances and concern with cost-of-living and law and order issues. Takanini is a fast-growing area that was significantly over quota, so in the 2025 boundary review some population was moved from that electorate into neighbouring electorates, particularly Botany and Papakura.