Vote with your values

A South Auckland church’s members are being urged to cast a vote based on their values.

Joseph Fa’afiu is lead pastor at The Gate Christian church. He says the church encourages its members to vote in this year’s general election on September 23.

‘‘It’s important. It’s only every three years. We encourage them to vote from the front during sermons and through social media. The vote is their voice so don’t complain if you don’t put a vote in [and dislike the outcome].’’

Fa’afiu says the church draws worshippers from suburbs includ-

ing Manurewa, Ma¯ngere, Papakura and Hunua.

Its leaders don’t tell their congregation what political party or candidate to vote for, but they do urge them to vote based on their

tara, value system and to become informed on the issues, he says.

Fa’afiu says housing is one of the biggest political issues faced by his church’s members.

‘‘Luckily for us none of them have been homeless, but a couple have been on the brink of it.

‘‘They may have been asked to move out of their rental property. We got them to Work and Income so they were able to access emergency housing.

O¯ ‘‘About 70 per cent of our families rent and about 30 per cent own [their own home].’’

Crime and public safety are other key issues for the church’s members: ’’There were some shootings in the area and I see people talking on social media about [crime],’’ Fa’afiu says.

Youth suicide is one issue that’s close to Fa’afiu’s heart. He’s the founder of the HopeWalk suicide prevention campaign, which he started after one of his close friends took her own life several years ago.

‘‘Youth suicide is a national issue. We’ve had people in the church lose someone close to them through suicide. You’ve got to vote with your values and what you believe, and be informed.’’

Go to elections.org.nz to enrol to vote or check your enrolment status.

$741,000 - Sold by Denise Wong Immaculately presented brick and tile home in Papatoetoes ‘Golden Circle’.

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