Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Harry Fatu Toleafoa is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, holding a Master of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts. He is a proud New Zealand-born Samoan from Vaigalu, Lepā and Vaie'e, Sāfata. Harry lives in Māngere with his young family and has spent the past eight years serving as a legal and community advocate at the Māngere Community Law Centre. Elected in 2019 as the youngest member of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, Harry brings extensive governance experience through roles with The Fono (health), Māngere Budget Services Trust (financial capability), and Oceania Careers Academy (education). He also chairs the Ngā Manga o Māngere community network. Recent achievements include the David Lange Park upgrade, establishing an economic development fund, and supporting the creation of a local flood evacuation centre. Harry is standing again to champion better housing, quality amenities, youth empowerment and economic opportunity.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Joe Glassie-Rasmussen has lived in Māngere for over 30 years and is married with three children. He is a Cook Islands born New Zealander, hailing from the islands of Atiu and Tongareva. Joe is a current Local Board member and a member of the Māngere College Board of Trustees. He has practiced as a Registered Nurse for over 10 years in Māngere, Ōtāhuhu and throughout Auckland. As a local body candidate, honesty, transparency and accountability are values Joe lives by. He is passionate, hardworking and a strong advocate for the overall health and wellbeing of families in his community. Safer neighbourhoods, protecting our natural environment and better public parks are priorities for him. 'I love our unique community and I intend to keep fighting for issues that matter most to our people. With your vote we can continue to create a better Māngere-Ōtāhuhu now and for future generations.'

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Fix Auckland

Candidate statement

I’m Vicky Hau, a dedicated local leader bringing practical, results-driven leadership to Māngere-Otahuhu. My work as Māngere Town Centre Manager has delivered real, positive change. As a proud Tongan, born and raised in Māngere, my deep community roots are evident in my current role revitalizing the Town Centre and delivering a high standard of service our community deserves. My Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Public Management, combined with public and private sector work experience, equip me to make sound financial decisions, grow our economy, and ensure transparent, accountable governance. I want to ensure Council truly meets local needs, supports our businesses, and invests in better infrastructure and stronger community services. As Town Centre Manager, I’ve delivered results for businesses and community. Vote for me to continue this progress and fiercely champion our future. We can Fix Māngere-Ōtāhuhu!

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Kaea Walter Inoke-Togiamua is the current Local Board Deputy Chairperson, serving his fourth term and seeking re-election. He is a proud father of six children of Niue, Tainui, Ngati Porou and Ngapuhi descent and has been living in Mangere for over 30 years. Walter is a former Police Officer in Counties-Manukau and currently works at Turuki Healthcare – Start Well as Tane Mentor, supporting Maori and Pacific whanau in the community. He is passionate about our Mangere-Otahuhu community and would love the opportunity to continue the positive work of the current Local Board. Walter’s professional knowledge and experience of Auckland Council underpins his commitment and relationships with Mana Whenua, ensuring the voices of our Whānau and Rangatahi are heard. Auckland Council is going through financial pressures, and our team is confident with the knowledge and experience to continue advocating and making vital decisions for Mangere-Otahuhu’s future growth. Vote Team Labour

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Malo e Lelei, I've lived in Mangere-Bridge for 39 years with my family, 5 adult children 8 grandchildren. I've lived in NZ for 50 years. I love my community. I've served Mangere-Otahuhu as a Local Board Member for 2 terms, and Electorate Advisor for Parliamentary Services. A member of Counties Manukau West Pacific Leaders Forum, Mangere Town Centre Safety Network and Mangere LEC Executive. I've served on the BoT, Onehunga High School, Mangere Bridge Primary and Newton Central Schools. A former Chairperson of the Mangere Citizen Advice Bureau and volunteered for Mangere and Otara CAB's. I've held elected positions in Manukau City Council's as Pacific Advisory committee and Tongan Health Society, Langimalie Clinic. I'm committed to continue advocating for our fair share of resources in tough times. My experience and leadership brings value to tasks required. Vote for me and the labour team for strong community voices for all.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Candidate statement

I am deeply committed to serving our community with transparency, accountability and a vision for a better future. I believe in inclusive leadership that listens to every voice. I will work hard to ensure that values like education, job creation and community safety are not just promises but realities for everyone. I humbly ask for your support and your vote as we move forward together. Lets build a community we can all be proud of. Thank you Manoj Kumar

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Fix Auckland

Candidate statement

Luke Mealamu, raised in South Auckland, this community has shaped who I am. I’m standing because I believe in looking after our community and getting things done. I’ve led teams under pressure, from the field to running one of NZ’s largest family-owned security companies. That experience has taught me to work hard and make smart financial decisions. What matters most to me is our families, youth and our elders. I’ve worn the jersey for Manu Samoa, Counties, and Auckland and I’ll bring that same heart, discipline, and teamwork to representing South Auckland. I’ve also served as a social worker, and sit on a number of charitable organisations because I believe in giving back and helping our community thrive. I’ll fight for better infrastructure, more support for local businesses, and services that actually meet our community’s needs. I believe in honest, transparent leadership and most importantly, Let’s Fix Auckland

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Vote Christine O'Brien for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board. Christine has proudly called Ōtāhuhu home for 28 years. Living with her partner and two rescue dogs, she brings deep local roots and proven experience to the role of Local Board Member. With degrees in Law and Arts, Christine offers a strong voice backed by decades of service in local government, governance and voluntary roles. She is Secretary of Ōtāhuhu Rotary, a member of the RSA and the local Historical Society, and Patron of both the Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Ōtāhuhu United Football Club. Christine is committed to community health, social and economic resilience, environmental care, and celebrating our area's rich cultural and creative talents. These are challenging times, and her inside knowledge of Council processes means she can deliver real results. Vote Christine O'Brien and the Labour Team - experienced, dedicated and always fighting hard for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Fe’etau Lafulafu Peo, a proud Māngere resident for over 25 years, is deeply rooted in the community where he lives, works, and raises his family. A qualified health professional with a Bachelor and Diploma in Social Work, he is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu’s diverse communities. Fe’etau has served as a Justice of the Peace and broadcaster with Radio Samoa for over 24 years, and has contributed leadership to various boards. If re-elected, Fe’etau pledges to continue advocating for seniors, youth, and uniquely abled communities. He will work to maintain free access to swimming pools, invest in local sports infrastructure, and expand safe walkways and recreational spaces. 'I am committed to using all my experience to serve our community with integrity and heart.'

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Candidate statement

Born in Ōtāhuhu and raised in Māngere, this community has shaped who I am. I’ve lived here all my life, even all my schooling in South Auckland, and I’m standing for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board because I care deeply about our people, our whenua, and future. Ko Ngāti Hine, Waikato, me Ngāti Awa ōku iwi. I bring experience in community leadership, kaupapa Māori values, and creative strategy, balanced with a big heart for grassroots action! I’ve worked across media, governance, volunteering and community spaces, always focused on bringing voice to those often unheard. I believe in decisions being made with our people, not for them. I’ll champion better housing, more opportunities for rangatahi, and speak up on the real challenges our whānau face. At the end of the day, it’s your voice that matters. I’m proud to stand for our hapori, and would be honoured to serve this vibrant, beautiful community.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Talei is a proud lifelong resident of Māngere, deeply committed to the wellbeing of our community. She currently serves as Operations Manager for a local Trust supporting youth to re-engage with education, training, and employment. With over 30 years of experience in education and training, Talei brings strong leadership, practical skills, and a passion for people. She holds a Master's in Social and Community Leadership, a Bachelor of Education, and a New Zealand Diploma in Business. Talei has served on the Boards of Trustees for Monte Cecilia Catholic School and St Mary MacKillop Catholic School. An active member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church, she lives in Māngere East with her husband and their three adult sons. 'I am ready to serve Māngere with passion, purpose, and the lived knowledge of what our families need to grow, thrive, and belong. Vote for me and the Labour Team for strong community voices.'

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board

Green Party

Candidate statement

My name is Peter Sykes. Together with my wife, Vicki, I have lived in Mangere since 1990, and our three children grew up here. I have been involved with the Anglican Church, ME Family Services, Mangere East Hawks, and many other wellbeing, health, education, social service groups and organisations. Our efforts aim to contribute towards a thriving Mangere in terms of people, place, and planet. I seek to work together with those who also cherish our diverse, talented, and resourced community despite many barriers and challenges. I am particularly committed to including those whose lives are impacted in the process of decision making and wellbeing. I look forward to the ongoing opportunity to enable voice for those who are without a voice and that we can live as a people in a place where no one is left behind, and the planet is respected and nurtured.