Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Independently Papatoetoe

Candidate statement

I'm Nazia Farnaz Ali, a Fiji Indian Muslim and a South Auckland resident for over a decade. I've built a successful property management business in Old Papatoetoe, supporting landlords and tenants with fairness and care. I've have been part of Papatoetoe Business Association while operating my business from Rangitoto road and taken part at the cultural events that unite our diverse community. As a mother whose children attend local schools, I understand the real needs of families here. I'm standing to represent Papatoetoe with honesty, transparency, and heart. I'll listen, act on your concerns, and work to protect what makes our community unique while building a better future. Let's create change - together. #Servingindependenatly #PapatoetoePride

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team

Candidate statement

As a proud resident for over 16 years, I understand the importance of stability, safety, and respect for our shared values. I've worked closely with our senior citizens and vulnerable members of society, supporting them through various charitable efforts. Giving back is not just a passion - it's a lifelong commitment. With years of experience running successful local businesses, I've developed practical skills to solve real problems and deliver outcomes that matter. I believe in responsible development, safer streets, and a strong sense of community that honours the needs of all - especially those who have built the foundation we stand on today. My goal is to ensure that our community remains a safe, welcoming, and well-serviced place for our older generation to enjoy with dignity. As a Papatoetoe Otara action candidate Kunal wants to retain the weekly rubbish household collection for Public Health and cleanliness. Please vote for Kunal.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

Dr Choudhary is a former Member of New Zealand Parliament (2002-2011). He is former Assoc. Professor of agricultural engineering and internationally recognised engineering scientist at Massey University for over 25 years. He was also elected as Member of Counties Manukau District Health Board (2016-2019). He is currently serving as an elected Member of Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board since 2016. Dr Choudhary advocates for wider community participation at both local and national level decision-making processes. He believes that Manukau should be transformed to become a prosperous multicultural hub of Auckland. He passionately believes in service delivery, economic well-being, and supports fair and equitable access to services for all our citizens. Dr Choudhary is a long time Manukau resident and closely involved in many community activities. He has been honoured with Queens Service Order (QSO) for his services to ethnic Community and agricultural conservation science and also made a JP.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

Avinash Kaur has lived across New Zealand and now proudly calls Papatoetoe home. She serves the community as a Justice of the Peace, Marriage Celebrant, and small business owner, bringing practical experience in the community service, customer care, and business operations. If elected, Avinash will focus on creating a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive Papatoetoe supporting better lighting, CCTV, youth engagement, and smarter use of public funds. As a proud Sikh and New Zealander, she stands by the values of Seva (selfless service), compassion, and unity. During major crises like COVID-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, and recent floods, the Sikh community stepped up without government funding. With a seat on the local board, Avinash believes even more is possible. She promises to lead with integrity and humility, stay connected to grassroots voices, and advocate strongly for the community guided by a spirit of service and collaboration.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Independently Papatoetoe

Candidate statement

I live in nearby Onehunga, but I've had a long association with this area as a former business owner and secretary of the Old Papatoetoe Business Association. I want to make Papatoetoe a safer, cleaner and more prosperous town. I believe in strong community connections, celebrating our diversity while fostering unity and support for all. I'm committed to transparent, accountable governance, with responsible spending and clear communication. As required by the Local Government Act, Local Boards are meant to reflect the voices of the whole community. As an independent, I'm not tied to any political party and can approach every issue with an open mind, listening to your concerns first. That's what good leadership should be. I'd be honoured to have your support to help build a better future for Papatoetoe.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

It’s been a privilege to earn your trust and serve my first term as Deputy Chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. Professionally, I am a Senior Stormwater Asset Management Engineer at NZTA – Auckland Motorways, with a background in Civil and Environmental Engineering (BE Hons, University of Auckland) and a Diploma in Project Management. This technical expertise helps me provide strong governance and direction on local issues. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together - advocating for our community, protecting what matters to us, and directing funding where it’s needed most. However, challenges remain. Safety is still a concern for our community and businesses. Housing intensification continues to put pressure on infrastructure. We must protect our remaining green spaces and strengthen pathways for youth engagement. Born and raised in South Auckland, I’m proud of our home - but it can be better. I’m seeking your support to continue serving Papatoetoe.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I stand for local leadership rooted in community values. Born and raised in South Auckland, I understand the challenges our whanau face and the strengths we hold. I'm committed to safer streets, supporting young people to thrive, vibrant and connected neighborhoods and creating opportunities grounded in culture and unity. Our strength is in our people. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a fair chance. For us, by us!

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Kia ora, I'm Chris Latham, and I'm passionate about helping our vibrant community thrive. Papatoetoe is a cultural melting pot, rich in diversity and strength. I live locally and work at Papatoetoe High School, which keeps me closely connected to the everyday lives and aspirations of our community. As a candidate for C&R Communities and Residents, I'm committed to putting the needs of our residents first - focusing on local safety, quality infrastructure, and supporting small businesses to thrive. I believe in Otara-Papatoetoe's future and want to help build a more prosperous, connected community where families feel safe, streets are well-maintained, and community voices are heard. I bring a balanced approach to decision-making, prioritising responsible spending and effective local services. I am honoured to earn your support. Vote Chris Latham and C&R.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Independently Papatoetoe

Candidate statement

For over 42 years, my family and I have resided and operated businesses in Papatoetoe, which we call home. Our town has been a wonderful place to live and work, although its safety has deteriorated in recent times. As Chairman of the Old Papatoetoe Business Association since 2015, I've been committed to improving safety, local economic development, and enhancing community-spirit through illuminating our town and organising events including the Papatoetoe Santa Parade, Old Papatoetoe Multicultural Festival, Diwali, Matariki, CNY, etc. Papatoetoe is a multicultural community which we all belong to, and should be proud of. Through locally-driven events, strengthening neighbourhood support groups, and ensuring our people have a strong voice to Auckland Council, we can keep both our rich local history and diversity. As a current local board member, I've championed our interests. I want to continue to empower residents of Papatoetoe to make our community safe, vibrant, and inclusive.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team

Candidate statement

Vote Kushma Nair - Experience You Can Trust I've lived and worked in Papatoetoe for over 28 years - first as a banker, and now as a local business owner at Hunters Corner. I understand the value of hard work, safety, and community stability. As a former Hunters Corner Town Centre board member, I've worked to make our town centre cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. I'm standing for the local board to ensure your rates are spent wisely, crime is tackled firmly, and our community feels safe and supported. Your voice matters. Together, we can make Papatoetoe better for all - especially for our seniors and families who have built this community. As an Papatoetoe Otara action candidate Kushma wants to retain the weekly rubbish household collection for Public Health and cleanliness. Please vote for Kushma Nair and every action candidate.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team

Candidate statement

I'm Sandeep Saini. I've lived, worked, and raised my family right here in Papatoetoe. I understand the challenges many locals face - rising costs, safety concerns, and the need for real, lasting improvements to our neighbourhood. Since 2017, I've owned and operated local businesses, supported community projects, and built a life rooted in hard work and service. As a family man, I care deeply about the future of our streets, our kids, and our older residents. I'll stand up for better roads, safer streets, well-maintained parks, and real support for both youth and seniors. You can count on me to listen, take action, and always put the local community first. Let's bring back respect, reliability, and results. As an Papatoetoe Otara action candidates Sandeep Saini wants to retain the weekly rubbish household collection for Public Health and cleanliness. Please vote for Sandeep Saini and every action candidate.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team

Candidate statement

I've proudly called Papatoetoe home since the 1990s. Like many of you, I have raised a family here, worked hard to build a small business, and given back through years of local community service. I've helped deliver food and hygiene packs during tough times, supported our seniors, backed youth initiatives, and worked to make our streets cleaner and safer. I believe in old-fashioned values: honesty, fairness, and putting people before politics. I'm not here to make promises I can't keep: I'm here to listen, work hard, and make sure our neighborhood gets the attention and respect it deserves. This is my home too. I'm Local. Loyal. And Committed to serve. As a Papatoetoe Otara action candidate, Paramjeet wants to retain the weekly rubbish household collection for Public Health and cleanliness. Please vote for Paramjeet and every action candidate.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Subdivision)

Labour

Candidate statement

Raj Pardeep Singh is a lawyer, business owner, community advocate, and proud Papatoetoe local. He lives with his wife Ashima, son Samar studying Law and Commerce at the University of Auckland, and daughter Samaira, in Year 6. Raj has a proven record of leadership and service. As Chair of the Papatoetoe Cricket Club and Past President of the Rotary Club Papatoetoe, he has led teams, managed risks, built partnerships, and listened to the community by bringing people together and delivering real results. As Principle of Legal Associates, a multicultural law firm in Papatoetoe, he advocates passionately for fairness, inclusion of South Auckland's diverse communities. Raj stands firmly on Labour values of equity, opportunity, and empowerment. Raj's vision is to transform Papatoetoe into a safer, vibrant, and thriving business and family hub. Vote Raj Pardeep Singh for an experienced, strong and compassionate leader who will represent with integrity and purpose. #VoteRajPardeepSingh