‘You are loved, you have value’
Harry Toleafoa, 29, says educating and empowering people are two of his passions.
Give me three words that come to mind when I say ‘South Auckland’?
Community, talent, future
How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Samoa. I was raised in West Auckland. I’ve been living with my fiances family in Mangere on weekdays and return West on the weekends.
What do you like least and how can we fix it?
Institutionalised racism.
It is the most insidious and destructive form of racism. The Puao-Te-Ata-Tu report offers insight to this problem. Our society likes to think that racism is a thing of the past. One only has to examine the national structures and social indicators such as health, education and justice to see that institutionalised racism exists.
Where’s the best place to buy dinner in the South?
Le Sunrise takeaways in Otara. When the struggle is real – a pusa mi goreng noodles and a dollar bread from Pak NSave.
And who does the best fish n’
I’d have to say the fish n’ chip shop in Orly Ave in Mangere, the village fishery or South City in Otahuhu.
Who is the Kiwi you admire
I’d love to say my parents – but I think they still see themselves as Samoans. Alternatively, it’s difficult to decide between Fa’anana Efeso Collins and Fuimaono Ben Taufua. I have witnessed both men ascend to positions of influence and have remained true to their constituents, values, culture and beliefs. Both are fierce advocates, whether it is at the grassroots level or the boardroom table.
If I were Auckland’s mayor I’d…
Take a pay cut for starters. Then I would walk down from the ivory tower and spend time with the marginalised and vulnerable communities – without all the cameras and media.
What’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to others, particularly young people?
You are loved, you have value and you have a purpose.
What’s one trial or struggle that you’ve overcome?
Trying to eat healthy every day is a struggle. Working in the Mangere Town Centre is difficult because within a kilometre radius is every fast food joint imaginable.
When I’ve got a free few hours I like to...
Teach. I love working with our people. Educating and empowering our people are two of my greatest passions and privileges. I work as a legal educator at the Mangere Community Law Centre and often present brief legal education clinics to community groups and organisations.
The Mangere Community Law Centre launches a 8-week programme called Law InA Nutshell (LIAN) which covers a range of different legal topics relevant to people’s everyday lives. Call 09-275-4310 if you’re interested in attending.