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
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.
Why I want to be elected
I will continue to get funds into the Manukau Ward, as I have already done for the upgrade of playing fields for our community at Williams, Moyle, Centre Parks, playgound at David Lange Park, funding for Kolmar in Papatoetoe, funding for Ngati Otara Marae build, advocated for the funding for both Te Ararata and Harania Streams of $50m from both Council & Central Govt's. Work continuously with both Mangere-Otahuhu & Otara-Papatoetoe Local Boards for better outcomes in our community.
My key skills and qualities
Communication skills and respect of the staff at Auckland Council that allows me to advocate for and receive funding and services to the Manukau Ward. Negotiating skills that I received from over 38 years in the Police in South Auckland, to get those funds, services into our community. Leadership skills when it is needed around the Governing Body table. Commitment to the community.
My top three key issues
1. Continue to advocate to Auckland Transport for better and more public Transport into the Manukau Ward ; 2. Continue to fight in the Governing Body for Fairer Funding and delegation to our two Local Boards and ; 3. continue the fight to reduce the affects of Climate Change.
My position on key topics
Transport
Investment into roads in particular to make them safer. Public Transports : more frequent, reliable and affordable. Cycling, walking etc : integrated & equitable transport planning. South Auckland & Auckland's population is growing so we need to plan for this.
Water
We have Watercare dealing with the wastewater and Auckland Council through Healthy Waters deals with stormwater. We manage Auckland's water through several policies as a result : Auckland Water Strategy, Fresh Water Management, Water Quality Targeted Rate etc.
Built environment
Urban Development : As a result of our Council Controlled Organisation, Eke Panuku being brought into council, we know have : Auckland Urban Development Office to deliver on smart & sustainable urban development. There has to be an integrated approach to land-use and infrastructure planning. We are also working with Central Government and Housing organisations to address the housing shortage.
Natural environment
It is so important to protect our Natural Environment. There are several different natural environments in the Manukau Ward such as : Volcanic cones and crater, streams, harbours and they need to be protected. These environments feed different plants & animals and aren't found anywhere else in the world.
Community
This is an interesting question because most of the local services and facilities fall under our two Local Boards so again, I will be working with both the Local Boards to secure funding for new builds. You build a strong community by involving the community in decision making, events, working with all of our ethnic people's who choose the Manukau Ward to live in. Making them feel welcome & safe is crucial.
Economic and cultural development
Advocacy with Central Government and working with the newly formed Economic Development Office, which has been formed to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region. We used to have The Southern Initiative (TSI) Working Group who worked tirelessly with staff around cultural heritage development but they were disbanded. Supporting our two Local Boards with the Business Improvement Districts local businesses.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
In 2012 I advocated for the Marae Development Fund to be increased which succeeded, and this fund had extra funding in the LTP. Worked with other Councillor's to ensure that the Ports Operations stayed within the Ports. The Maritime Union (Local 13) were a crucial ally in this. Storm Recovery : During 2023, along with the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board and a Pacifika organisation to set up a Civil Defence Centre in Mangere which supported our coumminities across Auckland, affected by the floods.
Candidate's supporting links
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.