Local Democracy ReportingIncreased vote count strengthens Pacific representation in Tāmaki MakaurauPreliminary results indicate a strong presence of Pacific leadership across Auckland and highlight how late votes can influence the city’s direction for the next three years.Mary AfemataMon, 13 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingPasifika leaders and newcomers compete in Auckland electionsIn Tāmaki Makaurau, both experienced and emerging candidates have successfully secured key positions on local boards and community trusts.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct
Local Democracy Reporting‘It doesn’t feel like election day’: South Aucklanders cast final votes amid low turnoutVoting has ended in local elections, with South Aucklanders among the last to cast special votes. Many say the process felt unexciting, despite their desire to have their voices heard.Mary AfemataSat, 11 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingLocal elections: How to cast a special vote in Tāmaki MakaurauAucklanders who missed postal deadlines or didn’t receive their papers still have one final way to vote before polls close at midday Saturday.Mary AfemataFri, 10 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingPacific candidates clash and converge on future of South AucklandIn a key live debate hosted by 531pi, six Pacific candidates vying for Auckland Council tackle pressing issues amid calls for Pasifika to vote.Mary AfemataFri, 03 Oct
Local Democracy ReportingManurewa election complaints prompt warning on vote integrity concernsThe electoral officer is cautioning voters about secrecy rules, ballot handling, and the risk of crossing from legitimate help into undue influence.Mary AfemataMon, 29 Sep
Local Democracy ReportingSouth Auckland leader: This daylight saving weekend a reminder to get emergency readyHouseholds are being urged to check supplies, make a plan, and talk with whānau about what to do if disaster strikes.Mary AfemataFri, 26 Sep
Local Democracy ReportingSouth Auckland urged to ‘prove everyone wrong’ as voter turnout trails previous elections Just 1.3 per cent of Manurewa voters returned papers, compared with nearly nine per cent in Warkworth, as Pacific leaders warn low turnout could silence their voices for years.Mary AfemataThu, 25 Sep
Local Democracy ReportingCandidate: Low turnout in mayoral election ‘silences Pacific voices’ Ted Johnston, whose grandfather held the Sāmoan family name Faleauto, says Pacific communities deserve better representation and must vote.Mary AfemataWed, 24 Sep
Local Democracy Reporting'For Rangatahi': South Auckland residents oppose new bottle shop proposal near schoolsWith 49 public objections and support from health officials and law enforcement, a community argues that the proposal poses unnecessary risks to children. Torika TokalauTue, 23 Sep
