Why Ken Laban’s win is bigger than Lower Hutt

Sometimes you get a story that just makes you stop and smile, and Fauono Ken Laban becoming the new mayor of Lower Hutt is one of those stories.

It's history. For the first time ever, a Pasifika person has been elected mayor in Aotearoa, and it's not just anywhere, it's in a major city, right in the heart of Wellington.

That is huge because for years, there's no denying, Pasifika people have been the backbone of this country. We contribute hard to the economy, to our communities. We raise families, we serve our churches, our sports teams and our communities.

But we don’t always see ourselves in those positions of power. So when someone like Ken breaks through that ceiling, it is a momentous occasion worth celebrating. There is no denying, though, and Laban is well aware of this, that running a city like Lower Hutt is no small task.

It has its own unique challenges: climate change resilience, infrastructure that needs work, concerns over rates, families doing it tough and some people who feel disconnected from their council.

So it's going to be a tough job for Laban. But after what I've heard from him on the campaign trail, I've got to say, I've got some confidence in him. I'm sure he will be wrapped in support by the local Pasifika community.

Listen to Will’s Word on Facebook below.

And if reaction is anything to go by on social media, Pasifika up and down the country are proud of this moment. And so, perhaps he can use that in moments where he feels vulnerable in the job or in moments where he feels overwhelmed in the job.

Reflect on how much support he has, not just in his community, but from Pasifika across the motu as well. Because many, including myself, are rooting for him and hoping he does the best job possible.

So congratulations to Lower Hutt for electing our first Pasifika mayor in Aotearoa's history. A huge moment.

That’s Will’s Word.