Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
After completing my first term on the Kaipātiki Local Board, I remain committed to challenging the status quo and amplifying the voices of Pasifika communities and the wider Kaipātiki whānau. Our stories matter, and I am committed to ensuring they are heard, valued and reflected in local decision-making. I am a proud Tongan, born in Aotearoa and raised on Auckland’s North Shore. I hold a PhD in Communication Studies and serve as an academic and university lecturer, teaching Media, Intercultural Communication, Politics, and Citizenship. Beyond my academic and governance roles, I lead a business dedicated to research, strategy, and community development. My work connects community insights with strategic thinking to create meaningful, lasting outcomes. Grounded in lived experience and guided by research, I offer a bold, forward-looking approach to governance. I stand for equitable change that leaves no one behind. Please support the Shore Action Team; #8TicksShoreAction; www.shoreaction.org.nz
Why I want to be elected
The face of Auckland is rapidly changing, in order to keep up with the growing population - I would like to make sure the Pasifika voice counts towards making local board decisions. If successful, I will continue to elevate the Pasifika voices and insights in my zone, as I have already done for the last term
My key skills and qualities
Critical thinking Strong public speaking & listening skills Ability to communicate across generations and languages Facilitation of talanoa (open dialogue) to build trust and collaboration Ability to represent and advocate for diverse Pasifika groups Sensitivity to cultural dynamics within the wider community Knowledge of local government processes and policies Prioritising whānau and collective progress over individual gain Treating all people and viewpoints with dignity
My top three key issues
As a Pasifika elected member, I am not to address the symptoms, but to work to change systems in favour for my communities, not against them. This includes building stronger representation in council decisions, embedding Pasifika voices in planning and development and challenging inequity with cultural strength and collective leadership. I care about the ethnic community, ensuring that all members of our community have a say and are included in the decisions that affect them.
My position on key topics
Transport
I will push for fare discounts or concessions for students, families, and low-income earners. Additionally, I will advocate for transport hubs and bus stops to be safe, well-lit, and culturally welcoming. Advocating for road safety education tailored to Pasifika families and youth is also key for me. Lastly, ensuring that footpaths are well maintained, wide, and accessible for all ages and abilities and involve communities in the planning process to ensure cultural relevance and safety
Water
I will support community education around water conservation and sustainable use. In addition, I will push for transparent decision-making in organisations like Watercare and the council’s water-related plans. As well as this I will involve community voices in local flood resilience planning and honouring the katiakitanga role of looking after our environment and lands
Built environment
My views are that there is a need for urban planning to include safe, healthy environments around housing as well as access to green space, schools, shops, and transport. I will push for Pasifika-led housing providers and community organisations to be part of housing developments and partnerships, involve local Pasifika voices in the planning and rollout of major infrastructure projects and lead with a heart for community service, ensuring your people are not left behind in development
Natural environment
I will support the creation and need for co-designed community spaces that reflect Pasifika cultural values (e.g. spaces for gatherings, talanoa, and performance), Improve safety, lighting, and accessibility in natural spaces so families feel welcome and included and promote affordable, energy-efficient housing to reduce emissions and lower household power bills
Community
I will continue to champion cultural visibility through festivals, language weeks, public art, and naming of public spaces as well as supporting community hubs and safe spaces where people can gather, learn, share food, and connect. There is the need to ensure council services reflect Pasifika values and are culturally accessible, lastly I will continue to support policies that combat racism, discrimination, and marginalisation
Economic and cultural development
I stand by supporting youth pathways into employment and entrepreneurship, especially in trades, tech, creative industries, and green jobs. Supporting economic hubs, markets, and festivals that collaborate with local boards and agencies to deliver economic recovery and growth plans that prioritise equity. Support the protection of sites of cultural significance, including churches, gathering places, and historic spaces. Fund & celebrate heritage projects, and intergenerational connections
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I will stand on having council budgets deliver on Māori outcomes including housing, employment, health, education, and culture. I will back the elevation of Māori leadership within council, including iwi representatives and Māori ward councillors and support the co-design of council services, land use, and environmental protection with mana whenua
Candidate's supporting links
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