Angela Susan Roberts[2] is a New Zealand teacher, unionist and politician.
Early life and career
Roberts spent 20 years in the education sector teaching economics and drama.[3] In 2013 Roberts became President of the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) union. As President she was critical of then-Education Minister Hekia Parata on teaching issues including Novopay and charter schools. In 2017 she took up a teaching position at Stratford High School, resigning as PPTA president, instead becoming senior vice president of the PPTA.[4]
Subsequently, Roberts was involved in the Just Transition Summit conversations in Taranaki. She took a particular interest in the role of education and training in sustaining future businesses and workforce.[4]
There was speculation she would run as a Labour Party candidate in the 2017 election, a notion Roberts did not rule out. However, at the last minute, she decided against running.[4]
On 29 September 2023, Roberts was physically assaulted at a surgery at the Rotary club in Inglewood, Taranaki, while canvassing for Taranaki-King Country. The man reportedly confronted Roberts before he “grabbed [her] shoulders" and shook her violently "in order to emphasise the point he was making" before slapping her across the face.[8] Roberts later said to Radio New Zealand "It feels like, incrementally, there is a growing acceptance of aggression in politics and our democratic processes. This must change." She thanked National MP Barbara Kuriger for reaching out to her after the incident.[9]
During the 2023 New Zealand general election held on 14 October, Roberts contested Taranaki-King Country a second time. She lost to incumbent Kuriger by a margin of 14,355 votes.[10]
Personal life
Roberts lives in Tariki with her husband Ian Anglesey, who is also a teacher, and their two children. She enjoys beach walking, tramping and community theatre.[3]
