KEY POINTS:
Traditional voting habits, changing moods and historical contexts will be taken into account when voters from the South Auckland electorates head to the poll booths this time round.
Come Saturday, voters from the Manukau East, Mangere, Maungakiekie, Manurewa, Papakura and Hunua electorates will vote to either keep trudging along, or to change route.
With interesting line-ups such as ex-Labour's Taito Phillip Field and new recruit List MP Su'a William Sio vying for the Mangere seat, traditionally hardcore Labour slash Taito voters now find themselves in an awkward position.
Field, currently facing corruption allegations which he denies, has held the Labour-led seat since 1996. After being shunned out and then resigning from Government in February as a result, an independent party: New Zealand Pacific Party was launched.
Based solely on Christian values, Field's party also looks to get a fair representation of Pacific and Asian members in parliament he says, so policies made for pacific peoples are made by those who understand them most.
Despite the allegations, a strong support for him still resides within the community, with supporters citing his achievements and "good work" done for pacific peoples - and who will therefore continue to vote for "our Taito" no matter which party he stands for.
Others are not so forgiving.
Su'a William Sio, who entered parliament in April, has in his short stint as a Labour MP in the area become a popular figure in both the Pacific and wider Manukau community.
Working class families, Pacific peoples and those who grew up benefiting from a Labour government may find a refreshing and safe vote in Sio.
History also looks to dictate the older generation's vote, with fond memories of David Lange's care for the Pacific community, ensuring a vote for Labour.
For others, Robert Muldoon's infamous Dawn Raids and immigration scare campaign in the 70s will forever keep pens from ticking the National box come election day.
Significant changes made to the Hunua and Papakura electorates opens the competition up to all parties, but with Papakura National candidate Judith Collins still seen as a favourite within the electorate.
In Manukau East, change has come with the expansion of the electorate area itself, with the inclusion of Otahuhu and the loss of Howick.
Four Sikh gurudwaras, a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple within the electorate - all within a close proximity of each other - illustrates another sign of a changing face, with an increasingly growing Sikh, Indian and ethnic community within the region.
The electorate, another traditionally comfortable seat for Labour's Ross Robertson - who has been in Parliament for 21 years - has the potential to see a swift swap with National candidate Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.
Bakshi, a migrant who arrived in New Zealand seven years ago, says his status acts as an automatic connection with the diverse migrant and ethnic community within an electorate that is looking for change.
With up to 40 per cent of the Manukau East electorate having arrived and settled here less than 10 years ago Bakshi says, many voters will be voting on the basis of sustaining a set future for the next generation.
Middle-class Pakeha will ensure National get a fair go in the South Auckland electorates, while up the road in Manurewa, another favourite: Labour's George Hawkins looks to take the seat once again; but not without some food for thought from the minor parties in the form of The Family Party's Richard Lewis.
Lewis, who as a former police sergeant has seen first hand "what the streets are like" and as a result is calling for more police and a greater focus on the understaffed frontline as one of its party policies.
Most locals, although staunchly proud of their city and who are quick to counter the notorious reputation it has within the media, tend to agree with introducing more police.
Experienced cops that is - who will be prepared for the hard Southside beat - are what's needed though and not just "newbies" making up numbers, locals stress.
Others don't see the need for more police, rather an increase in rugby coaches, sports clubs and youth facilities, to steer youngsters away from gangs and crime.
Working class families and beneficiaries though, are quick to note the need for better housing, cheaper healthcare and getting rid of poverty.
New Zealand First's Maungakiekie candidate Asenati Lole-Taylor - one of the few women running in the South Auckland electorates - says voting for Winston will ensure families and in particular the elderly, will be catered to accordingly.
Young families will benefit from the party's policy to make healthcare free for all primary school-aged children, as well as those under six-years-old.
Targeting those 65 years and older with The SuperGold - that will virtually give holders a free pass to public transport - looks to be just the ticket to reeling in the mature votes for the party.
Ultimately, with Manukau City being one of the largest regions in the country, voters are adamant their vote will be counted come November 8.
