[1] Tangaere-Manuel worked for many years as a broadcaster at both TVNZ and Whakaata Māori, including as a reporter on the TV series Marae and presenting the talent show Māorioke.

[7] After working as a broadcaster Tangaere-Manuel changed to sports administration and for nine years was chief executive officer of the East Coast Rugby Football Union (NPEC), leaving in 2022.

In her chief executive role she led the East Coast Rugby Union out of overdraft to annual surpluses and an increase in the number to eight representative teams.

[4] Campbell Dewes, who was chair during Tangaere-Manuel's tenure, said of her: Cushla brought her reo (language) and tikanga (protocol, customs) to the table and emphasised the importance of our whanaungatanga (family values and ethos) and manaakitanga (hospitality), Ngati Poroutanga.

[10][11] Following the formation of the National-led coalition government, Tangaere-Manuel became spokesperson for tourism and hospitality, forestry, and cyclone recovery in the Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins.