Veteran councillor set for a comeback as successor steps down

Long-serving Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina is seeking another term in the Manukau Ward, re-entering the race after his intended successor, Tauanuʻu Nick Bakulich, withdrew to prioritise family.

It comes just a few months after Filipaina announced plans to step aside for new leadership, but he says he reconsidered when Tauanuʻu pulled out.

"When Nick withdrew his nomination to be with his family, especially after what happened with Fiona, that opened the door.

"I thought to myself, one door closes, another opens. So I put my name back in," he says.

Tauanuʻu's sister, Fiona Bakulich, a former funeral director, was recently sentenced to two years and three months in prison for defrauding grieving families.

The Labour Party had selected Tauanu’u and incumbent Lotu Fuli to run under its banner for the Manukau Ward in the Auckland Council.

Tauanuʻu, who continues to chair the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, backed Filipaina's decision to return to the race.

"Alf has my full support as an experienced and proven councillor widely respected by the community."

Filipaina, who has been the councillor since the Super City was formed in 2010, says some people misunderstood his intention to step down, thinking he didn't want to do the job.

"I’ve always wanted to serve my community," he says.

Filipaina says he remains focused on getting Manukau its fair share of investment. He points to past wins, including support for the Ōtara Scorpions clubrooms, sports field upgrades and new lighting to make community spaces safer at night.

"I’ll keep advocating to keep rates as low as we can, while still building things. Sports fields, facilities, and working with our two local boards to get funding back into them. They know my history and how much I’ve brought back into the community."

Why he changed his mind

Filipaina says there are issues coming up that he is familiar with.

Initially endorsed by Labour, Tauanuʻu Nick Bakulich, right, withdrew to prioritise family, while incumbent Lotu Fuli remains in the race. Photo/File

"I don't think there's anybody else at the moment who's ready. I didn’t want to just let it go and see what happens."

He says he had originally sought a position on the local board, but Labour didn't endorse him.

"It was like, oh, I wonder what happened there."

However, he says he had the last laugh, as while not being endorsed as a local board candidate, he was officially re-endorsed by Labour last Wednesday as their selection for the Manukau Ward councillor. He's been a councillor for 22 years.

Cr Alf Filipaina, back row left, pictured with members of Auckland Council’s Community Committee. Photo/Auckland Council

Mentorship and service

Filipaina says he is open to mentoring new leaders and believes service must come before leadership.

As former chair for the Māngere Youth Parliament selection in March, Filipaina says many rangatahi are passionate about politics but need experience serving their communities.

He says he hasn’t committed to serving beyond the next two terms but will step aside when the time is right.

"My succession plan won’t be as long as what I’ve just done. It might be 2028, who knows. I’ve given a hell of a lot of my life to the community, which I enjoy. And it may well be time to pass the baton. But not yet."

Cr Alf Filipaina says stronger Māori, Pacific and ethnic representation is vital. Photo/File

Filipaina is one of only three Pacific councillors currently serving on Auckland Council, alongside Cr Lotu Fuli and Cr Josephine Bartley. He is also one of three Māori councillors, with Cr Richard Hills and Cr Kerrin Leoni.

Filipaina says stronger Māori, Pacific and ethnic representation is vital.

Looking ahead

Asked if he would ever run for mayor, Filipaina laughs.

"$500,000? Whoa," he says, referring to what he estimates he'd need to run for mayor. "If I get elected, and I’m hoping I do, I’m going to buy Lotto every month."

His message to voters is simple.

"People thought I didn’t want the job, but I’ve always given 100 per cent, and I always will," he says. "I’ve always been a thorn in the side of many, but I’m not going to stop fighting for our community."

Labour was approached for comment regarding its decision to re-endorse and back Cr Alf Filipaina.

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