Super City: Young population poses big challenges

Shops at Otara include a tribute to Phillip Fuemana of OMC. Photo / NZ Herald

With the youngest population in the country, Manukau City presents a unique opportunity to create something better among its people.

But with issues including some of the country's highest unemployment rates, security and street prostitution, those running for council will need to bring fresh ideas to make changes.

In the Otara-Papatoetoe board, the big issues include cleaning up the Otara Lake, which neither the Manukau City Council nor Auckland Regional Council want responsibility for.

The face of the local town centre has deteriorated over the years but continues to be the first point of call for many in Otara.

Despite groups such as Crosspower Ministries setting up youth programmes, activities, drop-in centres and even the Fresh Art Gallery encouraging youngsters, the issue of youth crime and high unemployment continues to pop up.

Ongoing moves to provide recreational centres, more libraries, internet-access facilities and the setting up of after-school activities will be welcomed by many in the community - particularly the young.

For many residents and business owners in Papatoetoe, the key issue is street prostitution.

Businesses at Hunters Corner and around the area - Manurewa included - have struggled with problems related to street prostitution.

Many have complained of used condoms and syringes littering the streets and such problems have led to residents calling for a total ban on street prostitution.

Meanwhile, Otahuhu has long been the poor cousin in Auckland City's suburban family.

In recent years a swimming pool development, one the community had wanted for more than a decade, was canned.

That particular complex would have seen a $22 million swimming pool and library facility built in the heart of Otahuhu.

That work, had it gone through, was set to be completed next year.

Residents will be hoping that their new local board, which will also include Mangere, will be able to deliver results that the last council could not.

A key issue in Mangere, and in most parts of Manukau City, is the need for more early childcare centres.

Many people in the community have continually raised the issue of the lack of preschool facilities.

As a result, figures have shown that many Pacific Island children in Mangere and throughout Manukau City are not getting any early childhood education because the preschools are too far away from home.

Five members of the current Mangere Community Board are standing for re-election, and so is one member of Auckland City's Tamaki Community Board.

The Labour ticket has seven people contesting the seven seats, the most of any group, and it has the strongest chance.

CANDIDATES

MANGERE-OTAHUHU BOARD - 7 SEATS

* Les Dixon, Residents and Ratepayers
* Carrol Elliott, Labour
* Jugjeet Singh Giarn, Citizens & Ratepayers - Mangere Otahuhu
* Mohammad Tauqir Khan, Citizens & Ratepayers - Mangere Otahuhu
* Tofilau Esther Lakisa, ABC - A Better Choice
* Tafafuna'i Tasi Lauese, Labour
* Soana Muimuiheata, Independent
* Christine Frances O'Brien, Labour
* Brian Pilkington, Residents and Ratepayers
* 'Ikilifi Lui Pope, Labour
* Edward Saafi, Citizens & Ratepayers - Mangere Otahuhu
* Leau Peter Skelton, Labour
* Lydia Sosene, Labour
* Ken Taylor, Residents and Ratepayers
* Sylvia Taylor, Residents and Ratepayers
* Walter Togiamua, Labour

OTARA-PAPATOETOE BOARD

OTARA SUBDIVISION - 3 SEATS

* Rachael Alp, Otara Independents
* Tunumafono Ava Fa'amoe, Labour
* Jennifer Grey, Otara Independents
* Mary Gush, Labour
* Louisa Lavakula, Labour
* Savea Al Harrington Lavea, Citizens & Ratepayers
* Tupou Tamata Manapori, ABC - A Better Choice
* Faumuina John Mika, Citizens & Ratepayers
* Poutoa Papali'i, Otara Independents
* Jim Sinclair, Otara First
* Lupe Alesana Tofilau, Independent
* Shabbir Wasiullah, (no ticket stated)

PAPATOETOE SUBDIVISION - 4 SEATS

* Stephen Grey, Papatoetoe Independents
* Avtar Hans, Citizens & Ratepayers
* Sukhdev Singh Hundal, Labour
* Donna Lee, Papatoetoe Independents
* John McCracken, Papatoetoe Independents
* Ian McGechie, Papatoetoe Independents
* Bill Peace, Labour
* Daljit Singh, Labour
* Narinder Kumar Singla, Citizens & Ratepayers
* Ray Strong, Citizens & Ratepayers

* From the New Zealand Herald feature, 'Super City - Election Guide'