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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Vi HAUSIA
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
As your current Deputy Chair, I can hit the ground running to deliver for Papatoetoe. I’ll secure funding to get projects built, fight for fair investment, and improve safety through strong partnerships. I’ll protect parks and green spaces, preserve Old Papatoetoe’s historic buildings, maintain access to parking, and support our diverse community. I’m committed to practical outcomes that reflect local voices, I will remain grounded, accesible and relatable to our community members.
My key skills and qualities
I bring technical expertise, governance experience, and strong community connection. As a Senior Stormwater Asset Management Engineer, I manage infrastructure across Auckland’s motorway network, strengthening my strategic planning and decision-making skills. As Deputy Chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, I lead with collaboration and advocacy. A proud Tongan and young Pacific leader, I’m approachable, future-focused, and committed to real outcomes.
My top three key issues
Improved Safety – our high immigrant and South Asian communities are overrepresented as victims of crime. Locals have spoken out about not feeling safe. I’ll push for better lighting, safer streets, and stronger partnerships. Smarter Infrastructure – growth must be matched with planning for transport, water, stormwater, parking, and green spaces. Youth Engagement – We have a youthful population, and I am passionate about reflecting our young people in governance spaces and in our wider community
My position on key topics
Transport
Public transport must be reliable, frequent, and connected to key destinations. I’ll push for better use of Middlemore, Papatoetoe, and Puhinui stations with improved bus links, park-and-ride, and safe walking/cycling access. Roads must be safer with better design, lighting, and crossings. I’ll support active transport and education programmes that promote safe walking and cycling, especially for youth, as healthy, low-cost travel options for our community.
Water
I’ll continue to hold Watercare and Healthy Waters accountable to ensure services meet community needs. This includes meeting service levels and compliance for safe drinking water, healthy waterways, and wastewater monitoring. Maintenance and renewals must be well-funded and delivered on time. We must also invest in capacity and resilience so our water systems can handle growth, climate change, and future demands without compromising quality or safety.
Built environment
Auckland is growing fast, and Papatoetoe feels the pressure. I support housing growth, but it must be matched with infrastructure—transport, parking, parks, stormwater, wastewater, and community facilities. Developers should build for long-term wellbeing, not just profit. Growth must enhance liveability. I’ll also protect Old Papatoetoe’s heritage while supporting smart, sustainable development that preserves our identity for future generations.
Natural environment
I’ll advocate to protect and restore natural spaces like Puhinui Stream and Kohuora Park. These areas support native wildlife and offer space to relax. I’ll push for native planting, cleaner waterways, and safe, accessible parks. With low canopy cover, I’ll prioritise tree planting. Green spaces reduce flooding, improve air and water, and I’ll support local groups and mana whenua to care for them through grants and partnerships.
Community
Papatoetoe is one of New Zealand’s most multicultural communities, and that diversity is a strength. I’ll advocate for Council programmes that reflect our needs—festivals, language-friendly services, and targeted youth and seniors’ support. I’ll push for funding to reach those who need it most and ensure our facilities are welcoming, accessible, and fit for purpose, including modern libraries, safe sports areas, and flexible spaces for learning, culture, and connection.
Economic and cultural development
Manukau is South Auckland’s CBD, and centres like Hunters Corner and Old Papatoetoe have huge potential. I’ll support businesses that meet community needs, back local entrepreneurs, and work with BIDs to keep our centres clean, well-lit, and safe. More wardens will boost safety and confidence. I’ll leverage Eke Panuku’s investment in Old Papatoetoe and push for better transport links to grow local economic activity and attract more people to shop locally.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I’m proud our Board Plan has Māori outcomes across all programmes. I’ll continue to support Ara Kōtui to strengthen mana whenua governance and Te Rukuruku to share bilingual place names. I’ll back Matariki and other Māori-led events. I’ll push for fair Port of Auckland returns and equitable Future Fund investment into our community. I’ll support emergency readiness for all communities as we continue to face more frequent and intense weather events.