Marshall Walia, a community leader in Auckland, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the Manurewa local board elections next year. Known for his dedication to community service and environmental initiatives, Walia is gearing up to make a stronger push in next year’s elections after his 2022 campaign fell short.
Walia was honoured as a ‘Local Hero’ at Beautiful Awards, New Zealand’s prestigious sustainability awards. He moved to Aotearoa from India in 2010. Since then, he has become a vocal advocate for safer streets, responsible spending, and environmental protection within the Manurewa community.
In his 2022 bid for a spot on the Manurewa local board, Walia campaigned under the #LoveManurewa banner with a platform centred around creating safer communities, supporting local businesses, and investing in community assets.
However, despite his strong platform, he received 3,430 votes, falling short of the top spot, which was secured by Rangi McLean of the Manurewa Action Team with 5,329 votes.
Local elections in the Auckland region are held every three years via postal vote. These elections determine who will serve as the mayor, councillors, and local board members, shaping decisions that impact the entire Auckland community.
Manurewa, part of the Manurewa-Papakura Ward, is one of Auckland’s 21 local boards. These local boards, established when Auckland’s councils were amalgamated into the "Super City" in 2010, play a critical role in making decisions on local matters, providing leadership, and ensuring strong community engagement. Each board is responsible for local issues such as infrastructure, community assets, and environmental protection.
In a recent victory for the community, a signalised pedestrian crossing was inaugurated on Great South Road in Manurewa, providing safer access to the Nanaksar Sikh Temple. This project, which Walia heavily advocated for, faced financial hurdles but was eventually brought to life thanks to his persistent efforts.
The inauguration last month saw a turnout of more than 100 attendees, including Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, Minister of Ethnic Affairs Melissa Lee and local MP Rima Nakhle.
Reflecting on the struggle to secure funding for the project, Walia stated, “Due to financial constraints, the local board was unable to raise funds. I attended eight meetings before deciding to push for it myself.”
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