Coco Congrats to our Pacific Island candidates voted in to their local councils
New Zealand's local body elections ended on Saturday with the preliminary results in by Saturday afternoon.
The governing body consists of the mayor and a number of ward councillors which differ depending on the region. For example Auckland has one mayor and 20 ward councillors.
The governing body focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions and are responsible for things like making rates and bylaws, regional strategies, policies and plans and consulting with and considering the views of local boards before making a decision which affects the communities in the local area.
Congratulations to these Pacific Island candidates who were voted in as ward councillors.
Auckland - Manukau Ward
Alf Filipaina
Fa'anana Efeso Collins
South Wairarapa District Council
Lee Carter
Dunedin City Council
Marie Laufiso
Local board members are also important as they have a significant and wide-ranging role - they make decisions on local matters, provide local leadership and build strong local communities.
The local boards provide important local input into region-wide strategies and plans including those of the council-controlled organisations.
Congratulations to our Pacific Island representatives who were voted in to these local community boards:
Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board
Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Walter Togiamua, Makalita Kolo and Tafafunai Tasi Lauese
Otara Subdivision
Apulu Reece Autagavaia & Lotu Titi Fuli
Papakura Local Board
Felicity Jane Auva'a
Hutt Council - Petone Community Board
Peter Foaese
Hutt Council - Wainuiomata Community Board
Gabriel Tupou & Sisi Tuala-Le'afa
As you can see it is important to vote so that we have as much representation as we can at a local level. As NZ Hip Hop artist David Dallas tweeted ... 'Local government affects our bottom line more than most. We need to have our say"
* If there is anyone we have missed from the list above please let us know and we'll add.