Council hopefuls say South Auckland needs more resources

Two Pacific local politicians who hope to win a place at the Auckland Council table say Manukau has been underserved for too long.

The Labour Party recently selected incumbent Lotu Fuli and first-time nominee Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich to run under its banner for the Manukau Ward in the Auckland Council.

Veteran Pacific politician and current Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina announced last week he will step down to allow younger candidates a chance to run in his place.

“I wish to acknowledge the contributions of long-standing councillor Alfred Filipaina, who has set a high standard," Bakulich says. "I’ve got big shoes to fill.”

Fuli also expressed gratitude for working with Filipaina, calling him a "local legend."

Labour's announcement of the two candidates was made last weekend at an event for friends and family.

Fuli said that if elected, she aims to continue engaging with the Pasifika community while focusing on key priorities.

“If you ask anyone in Manukau or South Auckland, they’ll tell you our area has been underserved for too long. We don’t get our fair share of resources.

"Our families pay rates just like every other family in the city, [so] it’s only fair we receive our share too. I’ll definitely be advocating for more resources for the South and for Manukau.”

Family and friends gather as Labour confirms Lotu Fuli and Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich as Manukau Ward candidates. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

Bakulich stressed a need for greater engagement and awareness about voting as South Auckland has low voter turnout.

"It's crucial to raise awareness about the consequences of not voting. The last general election showed us the price of inaction. We don't want that to happen in local government."

A focus on engaging the Pacific community is key for Bakulich, who has served on the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board for four terms.

“It is really important that a lot of the information that's put out by Auckland Council is also translated into our Pacific languages.

"I think there's been almost an acceptance that English was the only way that we communicate with people. And I think that that needs to change."

With over a decade in local government, Bakulich says his focus remains on serving the community.

“I have learnt along the way navigating Auckland Council is not easy but I am determined to advocate and find ways to better the ward of Manukau and improve outcomes for both people and the environment."

As a first-time candidate, Bakulich acknowledged Filipaina's legacy but said he would bring his own leadership style to the role if elected.

“I’ll never be Alf, but I’ll bring my own flavour to the role and ensure I’m the best I can be for the community,” he says.

Fuli says her dedication to public service runs deep.

Veteran Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina is passing the baton to new leadership. Photo/file.

“In my heart, I believe that I'm called to this role, to a life of service. … It's more than just a job. It's something that I do because I have a passion for it," she says.

She believes Manukau is the face of the future, a vision rooted in diversity and community.

“We grew up knowing and believing that Manukau is the face of the future."

Nominations for Auckland Council open on 4 July and close on 1 August.

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