WHAT I LOVE ABOUT AUCKLAND
New faces of the Super City
Road to City Hall
Son of Samoan immigrants who moved to Auckland more than 40 years ago. Did political commentary at university where he was critical of the Labour Party. Went on to work at the University of Auckland and joined the Labour Party in 2011. Stood successfully for the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board in 2013, and loved being community-connected. Took a pay cut from university but thought it was something that God wanted for him. Stood in the Manukau ward when Arthur Anae stepped down this year.
Maiden speech
Related his life — the son of immigrants working multiple jobs to build a better life for six children in a state house on Preston Rd in Otara — and spoke about Auckland, a place of new beginnings where ideas, voices, cultures and ways of living can be beautifully interwoven. Pledged to stand by the people he sits beside in church each Sunday and those he barters with at the Mangere markets. Also, the children who go to school hungry and the kids sleeping in cold garages and cars — all these people demand and deserve strong leadership for change, equity and compassion.
Top quote
“Auckland’s accidental property millionaires club is yet to reach the people of Manukau.”
Hopes and aspirations
As a Samoan, he wants to break the mould of not speaking up