The huge number of Pacific candidates who were elected in the weekend’s local government elections, especially in Auckland is a huge boost for the Labour Party and a good sign of things to come in the future says Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson, Su’a William Sio.
“It didn’t hit me until this morning when I reported to Caucus that out of the 17 Pacific candidates that Labour stood in the Auckland local government elections, 14 were elected, with 8 winning for the first time who either stood for council, local board, licensing trust and for the district health boards. I realised this is a historic first as it is the most Pacific candidates Labour has stood and won.
“It’s an excellent result for Labour and is credit to all our supporters, friends and family members of the candidates who believe that Labour candidates are committed to local democracy, building strong resilient communities and aspire for quality of life for all and not just for the few.
“I’m really excited by these results because it’s a sign that the Pacific are ready to vote Labour into government next year”, said Su’a William Sio.
The Labour Pacific Candidates that won are:
Alf Filipaina – re-elected onto Auckland Council;
Lydia Sosene – re-elected onto Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board;
Walter Togiamua – re-elected onto Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board;
Tafafunai Tasi Lauese – re-elected onto Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board;
Leau Peter Skelton – re-elected onto Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board;
Josephine Bartley – Tamaki-Maugakiekie Local Board
Nick Bakulich – newly elected onto Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board;
Efeso Collins – newly elected onto Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board;
Fuli Lotu – newly elected onto Otara Papatoetoe Local Board;
Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel – newly elected onto Whau Local Board;
Simon Matafai – newly elected onto Whau Local Board;
Obed Unasa – newly elected onto Tamaki-Maugakiekie Local Board;
Jenny Salesa – newly elected on the Mt Wellington Licensing Trust;
Apulu Reece Autagavaia – newly elected on the Counties Manukau District Health Board
