Accusations of betrayal as Papatoetoe takes the top roles on local board

There has been community backlash and online anger after the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board elected both its chair and deputy chair from Papatoetoe.

The move breaks a tradition of alternating or sharing the top roles and leaves Ōtara without leadership for the first time since Auckland’s Super City was formed in 2010.

Chair Kushma Nair and Deputy Chair Paramjeet Singh, both from Papatoetoe, were supported by fellow Papatoetoe members Sandeep Saini and Kunal Bhalla in the vote.

Ōtara’s three representatives, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, Topou Folau, and Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, were left without any leadership positions.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, Nair told 531pi Pacific Mornings that the board was elected under a democratic process and urged residents to give the new team a chance to work together.

“The choices have been made under the democratic process of the council and the local board elections. People should basically let us work together."

Watch Kushma Nair's full interview below.

Nair acknowledged online criticism but rejected claims the result was racially motivated, saying the board would serve both suburbs equally.

"This is not a racially biased group. We are all bound by the laws and processes of the council. Please give us time to prove what we can achieve if we all work together.”

He said he viewed the role as one of a servant.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board 2025–2028: Chair Kushma Nair (third from left) and Deputy Chair Paramjeet Singh (third from right) with members Li’amanaia Lorenzo Kaisara, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, Kunal Bhalla, Topou Folau, and Sandeep Saini. Photo/Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board Facebook

“It’s not about leadership, it’s about getting to the grassroots people and serving. That is what I intend to do as chair. I will be a service leader."

He promised to focus on accountability for public funding and community issues with homelessness and security.

"We need to bring that in order. If we don’t help our fellow citizens, what is the point of talking about leadership? Why can’t we enjoy the same atmosphere as anywhere else in Auckland? Why is South Auckland being left behind?”

"Betrayal"

Apulu, former chair and Ōtara representative, said the decision had left his community hurt and belittled, calling it a betrayal of trust and a break from the long-standing partnership between the two suburbs.

Tensions ran high at the inauguration, prompting a brief recess during discussions over the deputy chair role. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata

“This local board has always tried to share the leadership between Ōtara and Papatoetoe.“

There are four people voted in from Papatoetoe and three from Ōtara, so we’re already at a disadvantage. Despite that, previous boards understood the importance of sharing power. That’s what was really surprising this week. I actually thought these guys were going to be reasonable and share the power, but they just closed the door on us.”

Apulu said the Ōtara representatives were informed only the morning of the inauguration, after two weeks of silence.

“They met us in the morning to tell us they didn’t want Ōtara. We went in good faith. ... That’s why the Ōtara members walked out of the meeting, in disgust. It disrespected us as individuals, but also the people of Ōtara," he said.

Watch Apulu Reece Autagavaia's full interview below.

“Leadership provides direction, advocates to the mayor and councillors, and speaks on behalf of the whole community. To have an Ōtara person does matter.”

Apulu warned that the decision risked creating what he called a “tyranny of the majority,” where Papatoetoe’s four votes could dominate future decisions.

“It’s a missed opportunity and a breakdown in trust. They’ve started the term really badly. We could have worked a lot better together, but instead they’ve created the wrong foundation for this next electoral term.”

Despite the disappointment, Apulu said Ōtara members would continue serving their residents.

Manukau ward councillors Lotu Fuli and Alf Filipaina will act as mediators to help the new board find a way forward. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata.

“We’ll work as hard as we can as Ōtara under their leadership. But it could have been so much easier, so much more harmonious.”

Councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli are to act as mediators to help navigate the new term.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.