Auckland, NZ – Tongan community leader and councillor Lehopoaome Vī Hausia of Labour has thanked the community for its support after being elected Chair of the Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board, marking another milestone following his successful court challenge over the previous local government election results.
Hausia, who took the earlier election outcome to court and won—resulting in his re‑election earlier this month—expressed gratitude to voters after being formally elected to the board’s leadership this term.
“Thank you for your trust in me. It is a privilege to be elected Deputy and Chair, succeeding a strong line of previous chairs,” Hausia said following the board’s swearing‑in ceremony.
All members of the Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board have now been sworn in, with leadership roles shared between two senior members over the course of the term.
Under the agreed leadership arrangement, Apulu Reece Autagavaia will serve as Chair of the Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board for the first half of the term, before taking on the role of Deputy Chair in the second half, while Vi Hausia will act as Deputy Chair for the first half of the term and later assume the position of Chair for the remainder of the term.
Hausia’s return to elected office follows a prolonged legal challenge that attracted public attention after he successfully contested the outcome of the previous election in court.
His case resulted in the election result being overturned in his favour, clearing the way for his reinstatement.
The Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board represents one of Auckland’s most diverse communities, with a significant Pacific population, including a large Tongan community.
Hausia is widely regarded as a strong advocate for Pacific voices in local government.
With the board now fully constituted and leadership roles confirmed, members are expected to begin advancing local priorities for the new term, including community development, infrastructure, and social wellbeing initiatives.
