ACT’s Sāmoa candidate eyes common-sense policies in local election

As local elections are underway, Pacific candidate Henrietta Devoe is making an impact while campaigning for a seat on the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and the Manukau Ward under the ACT Party banner.

As a licensed residential real estate agent and long-time community advocate, Devoe brings valuable leadership and governance experience, having served on two local Boards of Trustees, including the Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. A proud resident of Manukau, she has been married for 23 years and is a mother of six.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Devoe says, “My values align with the ACT Party core values in terms of personal responsibility, fairness, accountability, individual choice and lower rates.”

She acknowledges the tension between Pacific collective values and ACT’s emphasis on individual freedom but stresses that political choices, like religious views, are personal.

“It’s not really about ideology in local council, it’s more about infrastructure. But I am a Christian and I believe everyone is held accountable for what they do on this earth. They have a personal responsibility for their salvation and to help others in their communities. We all have free will and are all equal. It’s actually a blessing.”

Devoe points to urgent local issues. “We have a housing crisis, drug addiction, and gangs. One of the biggest issues facing my community is infrastructure; there are potholes, it still floods when it rains heavily. There’s one area next to Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate where access for kids is hard when it does flood.”

Photo/Facebook/Henrietta Devoe

On social media, she addressed concerns from residents. “People are frustrated and intimidated by the loudness of people who just come along close to every election. Silently, they are afraid to speak up because they feel they have no freedom of speech…

“I am not a career politician, I am a mum that understands if we don’t elect the right people with common sense policies, things we need won’t get done.”

Devoe’s campaign priorities include cutting $50 million in waste, stopping above-inflation rate hikes, investing in smarter stormwater systems near schools, improving waste services and inorganic collections, fast-tracking business consents, and upgrading roads, parks, and community facilities.

Listen to Henrietta Devoe's full interview below.

Equal voting representation

ACT Party leader David Seymour has thrown his support behind Devoe’s candidacy in a video statement: “If you’re worried about rates and want someone who’ll fight government waste to get those rates lower, who wants to be able to drive their car and park it, and who believes that we are all New Zealanders no matter what waka we paddled here on, then Henrietta Devoe, ACT Local, is the tick for you.”

Devoe supports ACT’s stance on equal representation and encourages Pacific voters to exercise their democratic rights. “I believe that all residents should be treated equally. I’ll be campaigning to remove the voting rights of unelected independent Māori statutory board members and council committees.”

She urges Pacific voters to participate in the electoral process “because it’s very important. That’s your voice, and that’s your right. You can’t complain about leadership if you’re not going to go to the polls.”

She has received encouraging support from her community. “I’ve been called brave, but I don’t look at it that way. I’m doing what I need to do - demanding change and lower rates!

“To give back to the beautiful Manukau and New Zealand, as well as its people, that has given so much to me and my family. I am humbled by the support of family, friends and even new supporters in Manukau that I believe I can make the changes they want to see.”

The annual salary for members of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board starts at $57,699 for 2025/2026, rising to $115,300 for the chairperson.

Postal voting is open until Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Voters can also drop their completed ballot papers into an orange vote box before midday on Saturday, 11 October, situated in all council libraries, selected supermarkets, and transport stations.