Ngā kaitono ā-rohe pōti 2025Ward candidates 2025

Manukau Ward

Candidate statement

Of Samoan-Chinese heritage, I am Carol Ah-Voa a mother, grandmother and proud Māngere resident of 55 years. My career spans disability support, restorative justice, compliance, policy and senior advisory roles, grounded in values of community, accountability, and Tiriti-centred governance. I offer strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and cultural fluency across Maori and Pacific communities, and experience advocating locally and regionally. As your Manukau Ward councillor, I will: Champion local employment, services addressing mental health, affordable housing and youth development; Promote public safety through Community-Police partnerships; Protect our Manukau Harbour, strengthen mana whenua partnership, and prioritise environmental justice and waterway health; Accelerate flood resilience works in Mangere, especially for Te Ararata and Harania catchments, back central government-council initiatives and amplify community input. I love living in Māngere - let's move forward together with integrity, resilience and collective action.

Manukau Ward

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Auckland Council with above‑inflation rates hikes, wasteful spending on vanity projects and consultants, and neglected public infrastructure. It’s time to give Council a wake‑up call and focus on the things that matter to Aucklanders. As a proud Ōtara resident and a real estate agent with five years’ experience, I know how to deliver practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and genuine community empowerment. Working with families and first‑home buyers has given me a strong commitment to affordability and creating opportunities by keeping rates under control. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know exactly what you’ll get: lower rates, upgraded and well‑maintained stormwater systems to stop flooding, better waste services, investment in roads and parking, and slashed red tape for small businesses. If you want common sense back at the council table, please give me one of your votes.

Manukau Ward

Labour

Candidate statement

Continuing to serve your community Kia ora and Talofa. My name is Alf Filipaina and I want to continue serving the community I and my whole family were raised in. I have a 33-year-old son and long-term partner who I acknowledge for their support. I first served the community in 1977 when I joined the NZ Police and retired in 2016. I have been a Councillor since 2003 and am proud of my achievements which include; flood lights for Williams Park, Moyle Park, Centre Park, advocating for continued funding for Ngati Otara Park, Kolmar in Papatoetoe, funding for the Ngati-Otara Marae build, play ground at David Lange Park and during the 2023 floods and Cyclone Gabriel, setting up a Civil Defence Centre in Mangere. All this could not have been achieved without Councillor Lotu Fuli and the two Local Boards in our Ward, Mangere-Otahuhu and Otara-Papatoetoe.

Manukau Ward

Labour

Candidate statement

Lotu Fuli is a Manukau Ward Councillor. She is the Deputy Chair of Regulatory Safety Committee and former Deputy Chair of Audit Risk Committee. Fuli previously served as Chair of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board. A passionate advocate for better outcomes for Manukau she is proud of the many initiatives she and Councillor Filipaina have championed, including funding for dog initiatives, Kolmar, Ngati-Otara Multi-Sports Complex and the new Ngati-Otara Marae. During COVID and the Auckland floods, Fuli provided strong support on the ground for Manukau families. A Samoan-born-kiwi, proudly calling Manukau home for 40+yrs, Fuli graduated with a University of Auckland LLB Honours, MA(Hons), MALT(Hons) and MLitt(Hons). She taught at Tangaroa, Otahuhu and De La Salle Colleges, was a UoA Law School Teaching Fellow, before becoming a lawyer and Councillor. Fuli will continue to fiercely represent Manukau with astute intelligence, shrewd negotiation skills and compassion. #VoteFuli for a strong, resilient Manukau.

Manukau Ward

Fix Auckland

Candidate statement

I’m Vicky Hau, a dedicated local leader bringing practical, results-driven leadership to represent Manukau. 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. We need Councillors who 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 into the Manukau Ward and fiercely champion our future. We can Fix Manukau and Fix Māngere-Ōtāhuhu!

Manukau Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

I grew up in South Auckland, so know our area from the ground level up and know what needs fixing. The council needs to get back to basics and make sure that things run smoothly. I strongly believe the council needs to do more when it comes to public safety. The council needs a refresh. By voting for me I will be your voice at the table.

Manukau Ward

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.

Manukau Ward

Candidate statement

With two terms of experience on the local board, I bring proven governance knowledge and a deep understanding of how Council works. I’ve spent years actively involved in grassroots community and youth development initiatives across our ward and remain committed to advocating for real change led by the voices of our people. As a long-time Manukau resident and business owner, I understand the day-to-day challenges our communities and local enterprises face. I’m standing for Manukau Ward because I believe in strong local leadership, equity, and practical solutions to the issues that matter most - safer communities, thriving youth, better housing, and fair opportunities for all. I bring experience, integrity, and a genuine heart for service. It’s time for fresh leadership - bringing innovation, energy, and a modern approach to Council.

Manukau Ward

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

After living in the Manukau Ward for near 30 years I feel things need to change. As a teen attending local high schools, the issues youths face today are essentially the same if not worse added with the covert world of social media. Also many streets are dirty and our home would look fantastic if we would pick up more rubbish rather than leaving it on the ground. Another thing I'd like to address is the fear of being looked at the wrong way. We all have different backgrounds but we all have the same values. Don't let your eyes misinterpret people's desires and needs. Born in Samoa and growing up here and Asia has taught me the amazing relationships we have when we choose to open up and consider each other. Leadership shouldn't maintain but should make the future better. Let's do this Manukau. Vote Malcolm Turner and C&R