Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

Apulu Reece Autagavaia is a trained lawyer and is currently elected to the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board as Chair. Reece is a proud, born and bred South Aucklander. He is an enrolled lawyer, married, and has two sons. He was raised in the Samoan Methodist Church. Reece and his wife currently attend Elim Church South. They love serving their church, family and community. Reece graduated with a Law degree from the University of Auckland. He started his legal career at large city litigation firms and practiced Maori Land law and Treaty claims in Manukau. He has extensive governance experience having sat on the Problem Gambling Pacific board, school Boards of Trustees and the Aganu'u Fa'asamoa 101 trust. Reece has astute analytical and advocacy skills which he is honoured to continue to use to serve the Otara community. He is proud to represent Otara, the Home of the Brave! #VoteAutagavaia #VoteLabour #TransformOtara

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has let residents down with neglected public facilities, wasteful spending on nice‑to‑haves, and decisions driven by ideology instead of practical solutions. It’s time for a shake-up on our local board. As an Ōtara-based real estate agent and community advocate, I understand the issues our neighbourhoods face because I too see them every day. With five years in real estate and hands-on experience helping families and first‑home buyers, I bring a practical, solutions‑focused approach with a strong commitment to delivering community‑driven outcomes. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you are going to get: I will advocate for long‑overdue stormwater upgrades, better waste services, investment in our parks, playgrounds and youth facilities, and support for streamlining local processes and backing small businesses. If you want common sense back on the board, please give me one of your votes.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

Ōtara is home. I’ve lived, worked, and served here — and I’m standing again to continue building a stronger, fairer, and more connected community. I’ve gained valuable experience navigating Council systems including building important relationships to get things done. I’ve fought for a safer community, better local services, and pushed for a fairer share of resources for Ōtara-Papatoetoe — including access to parks, spaces, and grants. My experience as a front-line health profession informs me that resources make a huge difference in people’s lives. Next term, if elected, I’ll keep breaking down barriers so our people can access opportunities, be heard in decision making, and feel proud of where we live. I’m proud to stand with Labour, alongside Apulu and Li'amanaia — a team grounded in Ōtara and focused on real outcomes for our families, youth, and future.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

My name is Li'amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, and I am a proud and passionate advocate/representative for Ōtara and South Auckland. I am committed to breaking down barriers and improving access to support services for our Ōtara and the South Auckland communities. I work to connect our people with agencies and services that provide essential support. In June 2023, I was honoured to be elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board by my community, a responsibility I hold with deep gratitude and respect. This role is not about personal gain but about delivering on the trust and faith my community has placed in me to advocate for their needs and interests. Through this journey, I've gained valuable insights into local government politics, which have fuelled my passion and commitment to continue serving. If my community supports me again, I'm ready to carry on this important work, ensuring their voices are always heard.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

Ōtara is a vibrant, diverse, and proud community with deep Pacific and Māori roots, but has one of the lowest voter turnouts in Tāmaki Makaurau. That needs to change. I live, work, serve, and karakia here. I know our people, our challenges, and our strengths. I’ve led kaupapa that have uplifted Ōtara, built trust across generations, and empowered our rangatahi and whanau. My mahi includes founding various local projects like The Otara Kai Village, running businesses including Bikeman & Lets Get Legal NZ, and holding various governance roles, while always staying grounded in the grassroots. The decisions made by our Local Board affect our daily lives. We need someone who knows what matters on the ground and will carry the voice of the people to the table. I stand not just as a candidate, but as one of us. Ready to represent, serve, and uplift our whānau, aiga, and kainga.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Born and raised in Ōtara, I have dedicated over two decades to serving my community. As a founding staff member of ŌTARA 274 YouthCore and co-founder of The GrooveHouse, I’ve run performing arts programs since 1999, helping our young people find their voice and future pathways. I believe Ōtara can be a place where tradition and progress work together - a community that holds on to its roots while growing into new opportunities. My focus is on building spaces for entrepreneurial development, creative solutions, and initiatives that put our people first. I’m standing for local board because I know what Ōtara is capable of. Together, we can protect what we love about our home while building a stronger future for generations to come.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team

Candidate statement

Born and raised in Ōtara, I'm deeply proud of my Samoan heritage and the values of Family, Loyalty, and Respect that shape my life. As a family man, I don't just believe in leading with knowledge and experience - I know that by standing firm in my morals, I will make decisions that uplift and support the well-being of our families and future generations. Fitness and discipline are key to my lifestyle, and I believe a strong mind and healthy body are essential to great leadership. I am committed to being the voice of the voice of the people, especially for those who often go unheard. I'm standing for the Ōtara Local Board because I want to make a real, positive impact in our community. Together, we can build a better, safer, and more united Ōtara. It' time we make a Change! Vote Peresitene Tapumanaia - For a Stronger Ōtara

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Born and raised in Ōtara. I'm a proud 22-year-old Samoan student studying Event Management and Digital Cultures at AUT. As an ETL Youth Ambassador with The Community Builders NZ Trust in Otara, I'm passionate about restoring local pride, uplifting youth, and backing grassroots kaupapa. I've represented Ōtara globally from the World Youth Summit in Istanbul to Technos International Week in Japan (AUT) and regularly support community initiatives like the Ōtara Kai Village, The Roots, S Double S, and local events. I returned from Istanbul where our ETL Ōtara team won first place for a social project we developed to support our local families with back to school costs. Too often, decisions about our community are made by those who don't live our reality. I'm running to change that. It's time youth had a real Seat at the table. Otara - by us, for us!

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Ōtara Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Kia ora and warm Pacific greetings, I'm Jarvis Tusini - proud Niuean, Samoan, and Cook Islander, born and raised in Ōtara. I'm standing for our local board because I care deeply about our people and our future. With over 20 years in retail and 10 years in high-level sales, I've worked with thousands across South Auckland, building trust through action, not just words. I'm a dad of three, passionate about family, fitness, faith, and culture. I know the value of hard work, respect, and community. If elected, I'll bring real-life experience, a people-first mindset, and strong leadership to help make Ōtara safer, stronger and more unified. Please vote for Jarvis Tusini - Local, Loyal, Ready to Serve. Let's rise together.