RATINGS GUIDE:
$ to $$$$$ with $ being a leftist trougher and $$$$$ being small government dynamo
For some, however, a clown is more appropriate.
More than one may be awarded. The inability to restrict their promises to those they have the power to deliver will seriously impact their rating.
Previous candidates and incumbents are notated as whether they were a candidate or elected, their placing out of total candidates in the race, the number of votes they received and the percentage.
MANUKAU WARD (2 SEATS)
Hine Afeaki – The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party $$
Afeaki has a fairly impressive background having grown up in state housing, obtained a Masters in Planning, lived overseas for a time and become the Manager of a Law Practice. Unfortunately, her plans for Council aren’t particularly relevant to local government: “advocate for independent, local decision-making and resist the push towards centralized (sic) global initiatives.” She is also supportive of efforts towards self-sufficiency, building up local business and getting youth into trades and apprenticeships.
Having said that, Manukau voters aren’t exactly spoiled for choice.
Alf Filipaina – Labour $
Incumbent. 2/3 in 2019. 18,814 votes (43.96%)
Alf Filipaina voted in favour of the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan to cut emissions by 64% and the Climate Action Targeted Rate.
Filipania is seeking his fifth and final term on Auckland Council, so don’t expect him to work as hard as he has before, which to be quite frank, wasn’t that hard. The former head of the Unitary Plan Committee was in Rio at the Olympics instead of attending the final week of submissions on the plan.
His biggest hope, when he finally steps down from Council, is that a Maori or Polynesian replaces him. Imagine if Bill Cashmore had expressed a hope that Andy Baker wins the Franklin ward seat this year so another white person sits on the Council.
Lotu Fuli – Labour $
Elected to Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Otara Subdivision) in 2019. 1/4 3,848 votes (30.18%)
A Polynesian three-term Local Board member in a Polynesian region complained about racial discrimination when she was questioned on her way into a Local Government NZ Conference at SkyCity in 2017. That’s about as discriminatory as my Filipino husband and I being asked if we have the same order each time we go through a checkout at the supermarket. I’m in no doubt that Fuli has also been the beneficiary of racial discrimination as she was selected as a Labour candidate for Local Board, elected to the board, elected Chairperson and then selected as the Labour candidate for Manukau ward. She will benefit from racial discrimination again when she (probably) wins the seat this election.
During her time on the Local Board, Fuli has been an advocate for spending millions of dollars upgrading the Manukau Sport Bowl to add an athletics track, an aquatic centre and a stadium for basketball and volleyball. In May 2021, Ngati Otara Park got a $6.4 million upgrade, so she clearly is more in favour of pork-barrelling than fiscal discipline.
Lotu Fuli is also next on the Labour Party list so voters in Manukau deserve to know whether she will step down as Auckland Councillor to become an MP and force a by-election on Council, should another Labour MP resign or an existing Labour List MP win a Hamilton-West by-election. I’d also like to know if she plans on standing for Parliament again in 2023.
Malcolm Turner – C&R – Communities and Residents $$$
C&R Candidate in Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board By-election 2021. 2/6 2,164 votes (22.14%)
It is rare to see a C&R candidate in these parts but following the previous election, in which this ward was contested by two Labour and one Communist League candidate, centre-right voters actually have a choice. Turner initially spent part of the Covid 19 Lockdown delivering food and exercise equipment to New Zealanders in MIQ but when that program was scrapped, he started offering rides to people from Auckland Airport, asking only that they cover the cost of fuel if they were able to do so.
His website says he is a member of Mangere Bridge Community Patrols (very brave), Onehunga-Mangere United Sports Club and the Mangere Bridge Residents and Ratepayers Association. He lists multiple issues that Auckland Council is struggling with but doesn’t provide any specific solutions. He offers fresh leadership and will fight to ensure Auckland Council rebuilds the trust of its residents.
Still, he isn’t Labour.
MY RECOMMENDATION: You have 2 votes
- Hine Afeaki – The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
- Malcolm Turner – C&R – Communities and Residents
MANGERE-OTAHUHU LOCAL BOARD (7 SEATS)
I’ve noticed that the overwhelming majority of candidates in this area open by telling people about their ethnic background, tribal links, age, gender etc. The fact that these identity markers are considered to be important really speaks to the fundamental ideological flaws permeating a region known for having high levels of crime and poverty. Perhaps if they took pride in matters other than demographic features that they didn’t contribute to, and can’t change, they might have better socio-economic outcomes.
Hine Afeaki – Outdoors & Freedom Party $$
I reviewed Hine Afeaki’s candidacy in the Manukau Ward contest above.
Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich – Labour $
Incumbent. 1/11 in 2019. 8,044 votes (12.17%)
The current Local Board Chair is seeking his fourth term on the Local Board. He is the board spokesperson for opposing liquor licensing applications. What a bizarre position to create for the Local Board. After successfully objecting to a tavern licence for a premises with pokie machines in 2018 as the principal function of the premises was gambling, not drinking alcohol, Bakulich told media, “We already have a proliferation of outlets where alcohol is easily accessible and we’re determined to challenge any new licence applications or renewal of existing licences where we find good reason to object.”
The Local Board actively watches for applications for new licences or renewals and routinely objects. Jerks.
Harry Fatu Toleafoa – Labour $
Incumbent. 6/11 in 2019. 7,784 votes (11.78%)
The youngest member elected to the Local Board in 2019 currently also serves on The Fono, Oceania Careers Academy and the Mangere Community Housing Reference Group. His key priorities for the next term include economic recovery, housing redevelopment and youth empowerment. He’d achieve better outcomes for those goals in the voluntary sector than on the Local Board.
Joe Glassie-Rasmussen – Labour $$
This is Joe’s first Local Board campaign. The registered nurse prioritises safer neighbourhoods, community engagement and better public parks. He’s also the Chair of the Mangere College Board of Trustees.
Moana Herewini – Independent $$
Herewini served one term on the Porirua City Council. She spent seven years working for Manukau City Council as the Manager of Treaty Relations. That sounds like a total non-job. She is committed to protecting the Manukau Harbour and its birdlife, animal well-being, encouraging engagement with local government processes and community safety. She believes parks and reserves require greater financial support.
She mentions the importance of personal responsibility.
Michelle Hohepa $$$
Community Cam is a not-for-profit website which encourages locals to register if they have CCTV on their property and enables them to upload footage if a crime is committed. Michelle Hohepa created this site and is also a project manager, business owner and web developer who volunteers for Neighbourhood Support and delivers food parcels.
I think her practical experience would be valuable to the Local Board
Makalita Kolo – Labour $
Incumbent. 7/11 in 2019. 6,936 votes (10.50%)
This Local Board member has served on multiple school boards and voluntary sector committees and has previously been elected to the Manukau City Council’s Pacific Advisory Committee and the Tongan Health Society. She has previously worked as an Electorate Advisor for Parliamentary Services. She doesn’t specify any particular goals for the next term.
Raneeta Lavasii-Failua – Independent
(1 clown)
Raneeta spends half her poorly written candidate statement talking about the importance of education and then asks for your vote to make sure the local board is accountable and making good decisions because He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata.
Christine O’Brien – Labour $
Incumbent. 2/11 in 2019. 8,015 votes (12.13%)
The current Deputy Local Board Chair’s priorities for the next term are community health and wellbeing, social and economic resilience (buzzwords), supporting Mangere Otahuhu’s fabulous arts and culture and climate change.
Vague buzzwords and stupidity.
Papali’itele Lafulafu Peo – Labour
(1 clown)
Incumbent. 1/6 in 2021 By-Election. 5,203 votes (53.24%)
Peo has the worst attendance record on the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board over the last 12 months at 81%.
If the social worker is going to continue being a strong voice, he should try showing up to meetings more often. He is promising to pursue programmes to support community health such as free access to swimming pools. Mangere-Otahuhu is one of two Local Boards charging a targeted rate to pay for free access to swimming pools. Papali’itel had nothing to do with this policy. He also wants to invest in local sports facilities, extend walkways and provide other ways for people to exercise safely for free.
Mii Teariki – Independent $
A 23-year-old teacher aide at Henderson High School who wants to join the Local Board to represent the youth. What a stereotype.
Togiatolu Walter Togiamua – Labour $
Incumbent. 5/11 in 2019. 7797 votes (11.80%)
Togiamula is seeking his fifth term on the Local Board. He was a Police Officer for ten years and currently works with the Manukau Urban Maori Authority “supporting our Maori and Pacific men move back into the community (sic).” I’m guessing he is reintegrating released prisoners. He also wants to maintain the targeted rate for keeping free access to swimming pools which is something he can actually be blamed for introducing, though Auckland Council had to approve it. He also wants to maintain free access to libraries which is something he has no power over whatsoever.
Malcolm Turner – C&R – Communities & Residents $$$
C&R Candidate in Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board By-election 2021. 2/6 2,164 votes (22.14%)
Turner says the current Local Board has ignored the issues facing Mangere. He promises to keep Auckland Transport accountable though he can only advocate from Local Board level. He also wants to focus on safer neighbourhoods, protecting the harbour and waterways, family-friendly parks and reliable public transport.
MY RECOMMENDATION: You have 7 votes.
- Malcolm Turner – C&R – Communities and Residents
- Michelle Hohepa
- Hine Afiaki – The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party
- Moana Herewini – Independent
- Joe Glassie-Rasmussen – Labour
- Harry Fatu-Toleafoa – Labour
- Makalita Kolo – Labour
OTARA-PAPATOETOE LOCAL BOARD (OTARA SUBDIVISION) (3 SEATS)
Apulu Reece Autagavaia – Labour
(1 clown)
Incumbent. 3/4 in 2019. 3,613 votes (28.33%)
A lawyer who has practised Maori Land Law and Treaty Claims in Manukau. He spends more effort telling people about how much he likes going to Church than he does specifying any achievements or plans for the Local Board. That’s probably the best strategy for getting elected in this area, aside from being on a Labour Party ticket.
He said he is proud to represent Otara, the home of the brave. I admit that I don’t have the bravery required to live in Otara.
Topou Folau $
When he isn’t working with addictions in the mental health sector, he is playing violin in the biggest Tonga Club in New Zealand. That is an instrument I did not expect to see in a Tongan club. He specified no plans for the Local Board.
Albert Marley – Otara First $
A business owner who is interested in supporting young people and upskilling them into the workforce or creating businesses to support themselves. He already does this without being a member of the Local Board so I don’t see why he is pledging to do that if elected.
Swanie Nelson – Labour $$$
Incumbent. 2/4 in 2019. 3,687 votes (28.92%)
Equal worst attendance record in the previous 12 months of 87%. Admittedly Nelson can point to multiple community achievements though it is unclear which of these have been achieved through work in the voluntary sector and which have been created by the Local Board. They include community pantries, the Otara Kai Village, the Otara Bike Burb, The Otara Mara Kai, The Otara Christmas lights and the establishment of the new Otara Youth Hub in 2021.
Raymond Tuifua – ALL 444 YOUTH $$
A “proud Samoan, Tongan & German young man.” I don’t care.
He is a Prefect at Tangaroa College. That is a bit more interesting. That is the sort of achievement I would want to be told about by someone standing for the Local Board at 18 years old.
All 444 Youth is derived from the Code 444 Movement which is a student-led movement opposing school violence in Otara and Papatoetoe. Tuifua was inspired to stand for the Local Board after a trip to Parliament as part of the Otara Youth Hub. He openly admits to having gaps in his political knowledge but says he is a fast learner and has the confidence to speak up when needed.
Normally my eyes glaze over at the sight of a youth politician but I think this candidate is refreshing and it isn’t like there is an overwhelming number of talented alternatives.
MY RECOMMENDATION: You have 3 votes.
- Swanie Nelson – Labour
- Raymond Tuifua – All 444 Youth
- Albert Marley – Otara First
OTARA-PAPATOETOE LOCAL BOARD (PAPATOETOE SUBDIVISION) (4 SEATS)
Ashraf Choudhary – Labour
(2 clowns)
Incumbent. 4/7 in 2019. 3,785 votes (15.23%)
The three-term former Labour List MP who became most famous for deciding to abstain from voting on two social issues. In 2004 he was one of three Labour MPs to abstain from voting on the first reading of the Civil Unions Bill and in 2003, the Prostitution Law Reform Act passed 60 – 59 after Choudhary chose to not vote.
Choudhary believes Manukau should be transformed to become a prosperous multicultural hub. How? Doesn’t say. Everyone wants their neighbourhood to be prosperous. He “passionately” believes in economic well-being. Admittedly there are some people who believe in being poor but they don’t tend to be politicians. He also supports equitable access to services.
Three terms in Parliament, two terms on Local Board, one term on a District Health Board.
Harold Deo $$$
A Papatoetoe businessman who is passionate about the communities’ interests in sports and recreation. That’s a bit more tangible than I’ve seen from most of the Local Board candidates in this area and Deo has governance experience too.
Ofa Dewes – Labour $
Incumbent. 3/7 in 2019. 3,913 votes (15.74%)
Equal worst attendance record in the previous 12 months of 87%.
She uses a lot of words to tell me absolutely nothing. She says she works consistently to ensure resources are invested into Papatoetoe but what does that actually mean? The Local Board gets their funding allocated by Auckland Council. Is Dewes simply scrapping over that allocation with the 3 members from the Otara Subdivision?
Suspiciously vague.
Peter Dons – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE $$$
Being a semi-retired business owner, Dons should at least be able to produce something more convincing than buzzwords should he be elected. In addition to holding accounting and management roles throughout his working life, he has governance experience from serving on Body Corporate committees which dealt with complicated issues such as weather-tightness issues in apartment buildings.
He is particularly interested in engaging young people in activities which can help them achieve better outcomes through sports or social means. There is a place for that on the Local Board.
Vi Hausia – Labour $$$
Holding a Bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Diploma in Business Project Management is a valuable background for someone seeking to be elected to the Local Board for the first time. As a Stormwater Delivery Engineer, he has got practical experience in infrastructure maintenance to go along with those qualifications.
Unsurprisingly, Vi has an interest in local infrastructure, transport, the environment and sustainability – 3/4 ain’t bad. He is also interested in finding educational and employment pathways for local youth which, while beneficial for leading young people away from crime, doesn’t require someone to be elected to the Local Board.
Albert Lim – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE $
Independent candidate in 2019. 5/7 3,358 votes (13.51%)
As the Chairman of the Old Papatoetoe Business Association Lim has worked on creating a solid roster of community events including the Papatoetoe Santa Parade, Old Papatoetoe Multicultural Festival, Diwali, Matariki, Chinese New Year etc.
These sorts of events are something that Local Boards can get involved in, though I don’t think I would fund them were I in that position.
Zara Faith Marsters – ALL 444 YOUTH $$
The next All 444 Youth candidate is “a proud Cook Island young female.” I’ve critiqued statements like that earlier in this contest. She is also Deputy Head Girl at Tangaroa College. Like Raymond Tuifua, she leads the anti-school violence student movement Code444.
Her candidate statement is pretty similar to the other All 444 Youth candidate but she has identified the ram raid epidemic as evidence that more needs to be done in supporting youth and protecting businesses.
Michael Morris – Animals Justice Auckland
(4 clowns)
Michael Morris is standing to advocate on the behalf of the planet and animals. Unsurprisingly, he takes the declaration of the climate emergency very seriously. Most of his platform has nothing to do with local government but the watermelon does support free universal public transport and preserving the natural environment using non-lethal methods. So he actually expects the Council to deal with rats and possums without using deadly traps.
I’m sure that will be very effective.
Anne Nicholas – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE $
No relevant governance or voluntary sector experience has been mentioned by Nicholas. She promises to work hard to represent her fellow residents and ensure they are heard by the Local Board. Perhaps in a democracy, one might consider simply representing and hearing people to be her job. However, Nicholas also risks being a Local Board member who simply doles cash out to anybody that asks for it.
Karnail Singh – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE $$$
The Justice of the Peace has been involved in many community and voluntary organisations over the last two decades and says he is associated with many government organisations. Knowing what organisations those are matters to me.
Singh appears to be a law and order candidate. He volunteers for Victim Support and the Papatoetoe Crime Patrol. He promises to work towards keeping our communities safer and prosperous. Providing Local Board support to neighbourhood watch organisations is a practical step Singh could take but he doesn’t specify how he would make Papatoetoe prosperous and I can’t think of any way he could do that as a Local Board member either.
Dawn Trenberth – Labour $$
Incumbent. 2/7 in 2019. 4,116 votes (16.56%)
Given that she works part-time as an early childhood teacher, it is not surprising that Trenberth mentions education and the environment as being among her passions. Education is not a Local Board function but the environment is. Trenberth represents the Local Board on the Manukau Harbour Forum and the Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum.
MY RECOMMENDATION: You have 4 votes.
- Harold Deo
- Karnail Singh – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE
- Vi Hausia – Labour
- Peter Dons – INDEPENDENTLY PAPATOETOE