Be brave, confident

Pania Newton from Ihumatao in Mangere is a Law and Health Science graduate student at the University of Auckland.

Give me three words that come to mind when I say ‘South Auckland’?

Diversity, delicious food, musical

How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?

For most of my life, I’ve come and gone but always end up back here because it’s home and where my family is.

What do you like least and how can we fix it?

I would like more fun, free, educational, spiritual, historical outdoor activities for families and all ages to enjoy.

This can be done by increasing the number of safe recreational areas and green spaces.

Where’s the best place to buy dinner in the South?

Samwoo in Otahuhu.

And who does the best fish n’ chips?

Massey Road for fish, Mangere Bridge for chips.

Who is the Kiwi you admire most - and why?

Anyone who is making a positive difference in their communities for the greater good of all.

If I were Auckland’s mayor I’d…

Pay more attention to the needs and desires of the community I serve.

The first thing I would do is honour the Manukau City Councils promise made to our people and community in 2007 and add the land at Ihumatao, designated for SHA62, to the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to others, particularly young people?

Be brave, bold and confident in your leadership, because everyone is born a leader.

Observe, listen and learn from what our elders have to teach or show us.

Being a spokesperson for the campaign concerning Ihumatao because I don’t really like public speaking and I’m shy.

When I’ve got a free few hours I like to...

Walk through the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve, travel, do outdoor activities, eat, laugh and have fun.

The spot in South Auckland I’d recommend to tourists is…

Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve.