Saturday morning shopping at the busy Otara Markets reflects the diverse ethnic mix of the area's population. Photo / Richard Robinson
Saturday morning shopping at the busy Otara Markets reflects the diverse ethnic mix of the area's population. Photo / Richard Robinson
Next month, Aucklanders will get to vote for who represents them - from the mayor to local board members. In the lead-up to the elections, the Herald will examine all of the Super City's 13 wards, analysing the big issues and contests.
For many in the Manukau ward, it's all about the old school - sticking to traditional voting habits and ticking the faces that have been around for years.
But new - and young - blood in this round of local body elections hope to change old voting habits.
The Manukau district takes in Otara, Papatoetoe, Mangere and Otahuhu. Pasifika peoples make up just over 51 per cent of the population with 67,254 Pacific Islanders, followed by 29,079 European, 23,871 Asian and 22,869 Maori.
Many residents point to familiar faces on the billboards and say they will be sticking with those they know.
Widely respected ex-policeman Alf Filipaina and former National MP Arthur Anae have served as councillors for the ward for the past few years and are again the front-runners this year.
Mr Filipaina brought in 15,235 votes in the 2010 elections. Mr Anae followed with 13,269 votes.
There are several interesting local board candidates this year, including funeral director Nick Bakulich, former policeman Willie Maea and one of the youngest candidates, 19-year-old Kayla Filimoehala.
With an average age of 28 years, the Manukau ward has one of the country's youngest populations and, therefore, huge potential.
But the majority of local young people admit they are not into politics and probably won't vote. Others say they simply don't care.
In the Otara-Papatoetoe local board race, newcomer Efeso Collins is hoping to change that attitude.
Mr Collins, who has worked extensively with youth in high schools, universities and church groups, said he was pushing to be the "youth voice". He's not scared to say that the time has come for new blood.
"My thing is, if you have people there who have been there for about 100 years, then it's time for someone new. It's time to give someone else a chance and it's time for new ideas."
In Otara, older residents say next to nothing has changed.
Ex-policeman Alf Filipaina is seeking re-election and is seen as front-runner along side Anae. Photo / APN
The local shopping centre is still the hub people head to during the day. There is familiarity and a homely feel to the place, they say.
But it's run-down and needs attention - it feels neglected. There are several vacant shops and many of the buildings have been around for almost 40 years, one man says.
Mr Anae said resources needed to be pushed back into the Otara shopping centre - with the help of the local board.
"I think local boards really need to be going back to the people and understanding what needs to be done. [Rejuvenating] the centre is doable, but with good changes."
Papatoetoe residents have suffered for a long time, they say, with street sex workers threatening local businesses and causing property values to drop.
Among those looking for another spot on the Otara-Papatoetoe local board are John McCracken and Stephen Grey. The pair were vocal about the Hunters Corner issue, patrolled the streets at night and carried out an initiative to drive sex workers out of Papatoetoe.
That has seen a private members bill that will give local authorities more control over street prostitution.
Otahuhu residents are looking forward to the start of construction this month of a $30.9 million recreation precinct - complete with a library and swimming pool facility - which was canned almost five years ago.
Those in Mangere are unhappy that South Auckland's free-for-all swimming pools are now limited to those aged 16 and under.
Former National MP Arthur Anae is also seen as front-runner. Photo / APN
Mr Anae said the dream was to push the initiative to include all Auckland swimming pools.
Mayoral election 20 Auckland councillors in 13 wards 21 local boards
Key dates September 20-25: Postal voting papers delivered October 12: Election day
This week Today: Manukau Tomorrow: Manurewa-Papakura Wednesday: Franklin
Ward profile - Manukau *Ethnicity: Pasifika 51.8 per cent, European 22.4 per cent, Asian 18.4 per cent, Maori 17.6 per cent *Median age: 28 years *Median personal income: $20,327 *Median household income: $50,810 *Current councillors: Arthur Anae and Alf Filipaina *Local boards: Mangere-Otahuhu and Otara-Papatoetoe
Ward candidates Arthur Anae, Independent Baskaran Appu, Communist League Tunumafono Ava Fa'amoe, Labour Alf Filipaina, Labour Roger Fowler, Mana Avtar Fowler, Mana Joe Trinder, Mana
Local board candidates Mangere-Otahuhu - 7 members: Nick Bakulich, Labour Carrol Elliott, Labour Kayla Filimoehala, Mana Roger Fowler, Mana Roger Gummer, Independent Tafafunai Tasi Lauese, Labour Christine O'Brien, Labour James Papali'i, Mana Sam Patua, Independent Leau Peter Skelton, Labour Lydia Sosene, Labour Kevin Stitt, Conservative Walter Togiamua, Labour Joe Trinder, Mana
Otara-Papatoetoe: Otara subdivision - 3 members Efeso Collins, Labour Lotu Fuli, Labour Mary Gush, Labour Ian Hei Hei, Mana Jenn Jefferson, Otara Local Independents Willie Maea, Otara Local Independents Tupou Tamata Manapori - Vanessa Naden, Independent Poutoa Papali'i, Otara Local Independents Jim Sinclair, Otara First
Papatoetoe subdivision - 4 members Sina Aiolupotea-Aiono, Team Papatoetoe Ashraf Choudhary, Team Papatoetoe Stephen Grey, Papatoetoe Local Independents Alistaire Hall, Team Papatoetoe Donna Lee, Papatoetoe Local Independents John McCracken, Papatoetoe Local Independents Paul O'Brien, Papatoetoe Local Independents Ross Robertson, Team Papatoetoe Anthony Ryan Ray Strong, Independent
