‘I have a lot to be grateful for’
South Auckland is the land of the young, beautiful and gifted.
In the lead up to the general election, we go behind the billboards and party colours to give you a ‘first person’ insight into the aspiring candidates. We are publishing their images in black and white so you can get to see them as people not just as politicians and their political brands. #gettingcandid
Aupito Tofae Su’a William Sio, 56, is the Labour candidate for Ma¯ngere. He lives in Ma¯ngere. How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?
I’m a son of the Southside. This is my home. My parents migrated to New Zealand from Samoa during the manufacturing boom when I was 8 years old. We initially lived in ta¯huhu in 1969, then in 1972 my parents bought a house in tara under a Govt scheme where the children’s benefit was capitalised and used as a deposit, and the loan was fixed for 30 years at 3 per cent.
When the Labour Party asked me to stand in Mangere, I resigned as Deputy Mayor of Manukau City, and moved my family from tara to Ma¯ngere in 2008. We loved Mangere so much, we bought a do-up house here before prices soared.
Our older children, my siblings and my extended family live in South Auckland. Other family members live in different parts of Australia, Hawaii and mainland USA.
Give me three words that come to mind when I say ‘South Auckland’?
Land of the young, beautiful and gifted and home of world champions.
Where’s the best place to buy dinner in your electorate?
Try the suite of restaurants and cafes at the Bridge Village.
What’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to others, particularly young people?
I was taught at a young age these two principles which have helped me. The first is, ‘whatever thou art, act well thy part’ and the second is, ‘o le ala ile pule o le tautua’ meaning the ‘pathway to leadership is through service to others’.
What’s one trial or struggle that you’ve overcome?
My whole struggle.
I’m a village kid from Samoa, who didn’t speak English when I first arrived in New Zealand. We were poor, came to New Zealand because my parents believed we would have opportunities for a
life has been a better life here, and through the sacrifices of our parents my siblings and I have a lot to be grateful for.
I am grateful for the opportunity of being one of the few Pacific people in New Zealand’s Parliament representing Ma¯ngere and the Southside.
Who is the Kiwi you admire most - and why?
I acknowledge my father – a labourer when he landed in New Zealand, a proud South Auckland taxi driver who served his church, helped his extended family, and taught us the importance of serving people and your community.
‘‘I'm a son of the Southside. This is my home.’’
When I’ve got a free few hours I like to …
Stay in touch with family over the phone.
Tell us what your party’s policies will do for people in this community?
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Labour’s priorityO¯ policies are aimed at strengthening the core building blocks of our society by making housing more affordable, raising family incomes, restoring our investments in health and education. Our economy has to benefit all of us.