Papatoetoe deserves better — and this is our chance

Democracy only works when people believe in it. When trust is shaken, when participation drops, and when voices are silenced or manipulated, the real losers are not candidates or institutions — they are everyday residents who rely on local government to work for them.

Papatoetoe has been through a difficult chapter. The last local board election left many people confused, disappointed, and even angry. Allegations of irregularities, followed by the court’s decision to void the result, damaged confidence in a process that should always be fair, transparent, and beyond question. For many residents, especially those who already feel disconnected from local politics, this experience reinforced the feeling that “my vote doesn’t matter.”

That belief is exactly what threatens democracy the most.

The upcoming Papatoetoe subdivision by-election is not just a technical redo of a flawed process. It is something far more important: a second chance. A chance to restore faith, to show that our community will not be discouraged or divided, and to prove that integrity still matters.

Local elections are often underestimated. They don’t come with the noise or drama of national politics, yet they shape the things that touch our lives every day — the safety of our streets, naming streets, the quality of our parks, the strength of community services, support local businesses, opportunities for young people, and how well council listens to residents. When people don’t vote, those decisions are left in the hands of a few. When people do vote, power returns to where it belongs — the community.

We must also be honest about another reality. Whenever trust breaks down, it creates space for negativity. Rumours, personal attacks, and character assassinations thrive, when people disengage. Haters and opportunists depend on silence and low turnout. The most effective way to defeat them is not online arguments or anger — it is participation. 

A strong, visible voter turnout sends a clear message that Papatoetoe will not be divided or manipulated.

This by-election gives us the opportunity to do exactly that.

It is also a moment to reflect on the kind of leadership we want. Local board members should not be distant figures or political climbers. They should be people who are visible in the community, who listen more than they speak, and who understand that trust is earned through consistency and transparency. Leadership at this level is about service, not status.

People should vote for candidates who respect the process, who believe in fairness, and who are willing to be accountable — especially after what our community has experienced. We need leaders who see diversity as a strength, who understand the challenges faced by families, seniors, migrants, youth, and small businesses, and who are prepared to work constructively rather than create division.

For me, this election is deeply personal. Like many residents, I was disappointed by what unfolded in the last election. But I was also encouraged by the court’s decision, because it showed that safeguards still exist and that integrity can prevail. That decision did not weaken democracy — it protected it.

Now the responsibility shifts back to us, the voters.

This is our moment to prove that Papatoetoe cares about clean elections, honest leadership, and genuine representation. This is our chance to turn frustration into action and skepticism into participation.

I urge every eligible voter to take part in this by-election. Learn about the candidates. Ask questions. Look for values, not noise. And most importantly, cast your vote.

Democracy always gives us another chance. What matters is whether we take it.