Local Democracy ReportingIncreased vote count strengthens Pacific representation in Tāmaki MakaurauPreliminary results indicate a strong presence of Pacific leadership across Auckland and highlight how late votes can influence the city’s direction for the next three years.Mary AfemataMon, 13 Oct
Pacific Region • NauruPIF praises Nauru’s 'transparent' elections as voters reject 4-year parliamentary termNauruans have delivered a mixed verdict in this year's general election and national referendum watched closely by Pacific Islands Forum observers.Christine RovoiMon, 13 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingFauono Ken Laban makes election history as Pasifika candidates win across New ZealandFrom Lower Hutt to Dunedin, Pasifika candidates have achieved major milestones in this year’s local elections, including the election of Aotearoa’s first Pacific mayor.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct
Local Democracy Reporting‘It doesn’t feel like election day’: South Aucklanders cast final votes amid low turnoutVoting has ended in local elections, with South Aucklanders among the last to cast special votes. Many say the process felt unexciting, despite their desire to have their voices heard.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingLocal elections: How to cast a special vote in Tāmaki MakaurauAucklanders who missed postal deadlines or didn’t receive their papers still have one final way to vote before polls close at midday Saturday.Mary AfemataFri, 10 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingPasifika candidate brings new voice to Timaru local electionSange Malama wants to inspire greater representation in local government and rebuild connections between residents and council.Mary AfemataFri, 10 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingPorirua mayoral candidate champions indigenous leadership in local governmentUra Wilson-Pokoati says her campaign is driven by a vision of unity and inclusion, with plans to empower young people and strengthen community voices in Porirua’s decision-making.Mary AfemataFri, 10 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingLevin’s only Pasifika candidate runs to connect her community with local governmentJane Masoe hopes her campaign for the Horowhenua District Council’s Levin General Ward will bridge civic gaps and encourage Pacific residents to take part in local democracy.Mary AfemataThu, 09 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingPacific voice aims to bring connection and inclusion to Kāpiti Coast local governmentAfi’a Sulu Fiti hopes to secure a spot on the Raumati Community Board, where four vacancies are up for grabs, bringing a Pacific perspective to a district where few have stood before.Mary AfemataWed, 08 Oct
Pacific Region • Bougainville, Papua New GuineaIshmael Toroama's election victory pushes Bougainville towards independence by 2027Tensions with Papua New Guinea escalate as the Bougainville leader prepares for a potential unilateral declaration if progress remains stalled.Christine RovoiTue, 07 Oct
