'Let us speak for our own': Taitosaua Bill Peace pushes for youth voice in Papatoetoe

After more than 45 years working with South Auckland youth and families, Papatoetoe candidate Taitosaua Bill Peace says local decision-making must shift from speaking about communities to letting them speak for themselves.

He wants that to start with young people who remain largely unheard.

Taitosaua, who has lived in Papatoetoe for over 20 years, is standing in the subdivision by-election on a platform centred on advocacy, community voice, and unity.

“I’m about voice. I’m about advocacy. I’m about collaboration and partnership,” he said.

A former Justice of the Peace, marriage celebrant, and long-time community worker, Taitosaua said his decision to stand was shaped by both experience and faith.

“In prayer and faith, I felt the opportunity was there and I took it.”

Papatoetoe candidate Taitosaua Bill Peace says he is standing to unify the community and strengthen its voice in local governance. Photo/Supplied.

He said the need for a by-election prompted reflection about trust in the system.

“For me, it was a bit sad that it happened. But in saying that, I just felt, well, maybe it’s just asking the people about who they’re voting for and knowing who they’re voting for.”

Taitosaua said his goal is to move beyond fragmented representation and bring a unified community voice into decision-making.

Postal voting is underway in the Papatoetoe local board re-run election. Photo/File.

He said youth voices are often acknowledged but not genuinely included.

“I’ve been a youth worker for over 45 years and that voice has always been unheard," he said.

“We talk about co-design, which is one thing, but for me it’s about co-lead. That means actually allow young people to speak their voice on the tables when there’s opportunity, rather than an adult representing their voice.”

Taitosaua said concerns about safety in the community was a topic that should be addressed through direct engagement with the community.

“Sometimes assumptions and perceptions can be quite different things," he said.

Papatoetoe, where a local board re-run election is underway to fill four vacant seats. Photo/File.

With turnout remaining low midway through the election, Taitosaua said participation is a concern.

“It’s not easy. We’re doing everything possible through social media, through friends and families to get people out to vote. That’s a big concern.”

He questioned whether the current postal voting system is working for all communities.

“If council is serious about elections, this current way is not working. There’s got to be a better way.”

Council figures show turnout remains low, with only about one in six eligible voters having returned their voting papers so far.

Taitosaua encourages residents to take part.

“Please read the information that’s in these envelopes and choose wisely, because they’re about to make a decision over the next three years about what will be best for Papatoetoe. Please vote.”

Taitosaua said his campaign centres on enabling communities to speak for themselves.

“No better advocate than the people themselves,” he said.

“My gifting is connecting, hearing the true voice of our community. We make too many assumptions and we don’t hear the voice of the community. It’s time to connect.”

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