Dr Ashraf Choudhary
Auckland, August 27, 2022
Have you ever wondered who makes decisions on Auckland transport, local parks for sports, reserves, free events for young and old, libraries, swimming pools, arts and culture, water supply and sewerage, local roads maintenance, refuse collection, maintaining museums, mowing berms?
It is your Local Boards of Auckland Council.
Every three years we elect the Auckland City Mayor, 20 Councillors and Members of 21 Local Boards to make and prioritise these decisions.
That is why your vote is important and you elect candidates who make these decisions for you.
Many ethnic people speak privately and say their vote changes nothing. They are often despondent and complain that their efforts to be counted have dissipated.
I say to them, “Of course, those in power will not relinquish that hegemony in a hurry.”
Then, I say, “Yes, it is possible and we can do it.”
I did it when I became the first South Asian MP to enter New Zealand Parliament in 2002. And now there are eight ethnic MPs in our Parliament.
Six years ago, I stood as a Labour candidate for Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board and the Counties Manukau District Health Board and got elected to both positions. I was re-elected to the Local Board in 2019. I thank all our people for this opportunity. I hope that I have not disappointed you during fifteen years of my public service in Parliament and the Local Board.
Increasing ethnic population
The voting power of ethnic minority groups has increased significantly, particularly in Auckland. I believe that the 2023 Census will show that over a quarter of Auckland’s population is of Asian origin. This massive change in electoral demography can tip the future election outcomes.
This is great news for our ethnic communities and democracy. Many people feel powerless by the apparent inability of politicians to acknowledge the persistent lack of representation of ethnic people under our local government electoral system.
It will have serious consequences, especially among young and restless ethnic youth.
Tasks for the Papatoetoe Local Board
I am standing again this year for Papatoetoe Local Board.
Our diverse Labour team has great ideas and we are focused on working together for the benefit of all people in Papatoetoe. Our community is extremely multicultural, and our team reflects that, with each of us bringing different abilities and perspectives.
Working towards control of liquor outlets, better services for families, the elderly, disabled, and young people, strengthening community safety, and the retention and sound financial management of our community assets, are just a few of the policies we are promoting.
Ethnic minority voters have either been ignored or taken for granted to a certain extent. They should decide for themselves. Many young people are moving away from the voting patterns of their parents and those votes are up for grabs.
I believe that the ethnic minority vote is as important as the grey vote and that our local government will ignore it to its peril. The voting patterns of ethnic minorities are changing dramatically, which must be understood by the decision-makers.
We need policies that appeal to ethnic communities. We must be inclusive, advance equality of opportunity, foster good relations and eliminate discrimination.
Young people are our future. Everyone 18 years of age or over is entitled to vote in our elections including for local bodies such as Auckland Council. You have many years of life ahead of you, so by voting you can play your part in brightening the future of our community.
One day some of you may even decide to put your names forward to stand for a council position.
So, take part now by voting.
Making the right choice
If you are a permanent resident for one year or a citizen of New Zealand, you have the democratic right to say who will represent you. Just as you can vote for Members of Parliament in Wellington, you can also choose who represents you on Auckland Council, Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board or any other Board. Irrespective of your ethnicity, religion, gender, or political views, you have the right to vote for any candidate of your choice.
Please make the right choice and vote.
If you do not vote, you give up a precious right that many elsewhere in the world do not have.
Therefore, to find out as much as you can about those offering themselves for election to Auckland Council and Local Boards, then complete the postal ballot you would be receiving from September 16, 2022, in the mail addressed to you, and post it back immediately in the self-stamped envelope provided, no later than October 4, 2022, as the poll closes on Saturday, October 8, 2022.
If you believe you are qualified to vote but have not received a ballot paper between September 16 and 20, 2022, please contact the Returning Officer at the New Zealand Election Commission on 0800-367656. Email: enquiries@elections.govt.nz
Dr Ashraf Choudhary was a Member of Parliament from 2002 to 2011 and has been a Member of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board since 2013.
