'People first': Futi Ka’s pitch to Papatoetoe voters this election

Papatoetoe candidate Futi Ka says his work with vulnerable families and young people has shaped his decision to stand for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

Ka, of Samoan descent, was born and raised in Ōtara and attended Papatoetoe Intermediate.

With strong ties to Papatoetoe through school, church and community work, he says his campaign focuses on strengthening families and supporting young people, ensuring their voices are reflected in local decision-making.

“I stand for families, safety and young people,” he said.

Ka has spent much of his career working in family violence prevention, suicide prevention, youth offending and homelessness. He says those frontline experiences have shaped how he views community priorities and the role local government can play.

Thirteen candidates ran in the Papatoetoe subdivision during the October 2025 local elections, which were later voided. Futi Ka is one of 12 candidates returning to contest the four vacant seats in the by-election. He previously received 1,397 votes, placing 12th.

In a video shared on his social media from last year's local election campaign, Ka said his nearly two decades in community and youth development, including violence prevention, had shaped his understanding of the challenges families face.

When asked how this re-run election differs from last year’s voided vote, Ka said the issues remain the same, but public attention has increased.

“I think nothing’s really changed from the last election to this one. If anything, the by-election and how it’s come about has brought more eyes to it. But for me, this is what I stand for."

Ka says that if he could use any platform to advocate for what he stands for, he would.

Papatoetoe candidate Futi Ka is standing in the Papatoetoe subdivision by-election for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. Photo/Auckland Council/2025 Otara Papatoetoe Local Board Independent Candidates Facebook

“The local board is just another platform to elevate the voice, because at the end of the day, I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking,” he said.

“These are issues people don’t always know how to address, but I believe we can. It comes down to resources and priorities.”

Ka says investing in people is key to building stronger communities.

“If you take care of the people, then the people will take care of the community,” he said.

He believes discussions about development often overlook those most affected.

The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area includes two subdivisions, with four members representing Papatoetoe and three representing Ōtara. Photo/File.

“Everyone can talk about pretty parks and more roads, but the reality is the people standing on those roads and the people sleeping in those parks are the people I stand for.”

Youth development is a central focus of his campaign.

“Young people are resources to be developed, not problems to be managed,” he said.

Ka also serves on two school boards, where he says he advocates for student wellbeing alongside academic priorities.

He says local leadership should reflect community needs and support the services families rely on, while also advocating for resources to address ongoing challenges.

He has also previously spoken about low voter turnout in the area, encouraging residents to participate in local elections.

Ka is standing as an independent candidate and says he chose not to align with a political group, instead focusing on the issues affecting families and young people.

The new election has drawn renewed attention to the Papatoetoe subdivision, where four seats are available on the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

Voting is now underway and closes at midday on 9 April.

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