The Green Party is flipping the script on traditional political meetings with a 'meet the candidates' event where the community holds the microphone. The event, titled "Whakarongo | Fa'alogo" (Listen), will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Taro Patch in Papatoetoe.
Organisers say the gathering is designed for the community to talk and for candidates to listen, providing residents with a direct platform to hold them to account. The featured candidates are Te Whatanui Skipwith, standing for the Ōtāhuhu electorate, and Michel Mulipola, the candidate for Māngere.
The event aims to centre the voices of residents, giving them the opportunity to share what is most important for them, their community, and their whānau. This format marks a deliberate shift from typical campaign events, which often feature candidates delivering prepared speeches. Instead, this meeting will prioritise direct, unfiltered feedback from the people the candidates hope to represent.
A focus on listening and accountability
The event's title, using the te reo Māori word 'Whakarongo' and the Samoan word 'Fa'alogo', underscores its core purpose: to listen. This approach aligns with the Green Party's stated philosophy of fostering community-led decision-making. By giving attendees control of the microphone, the party aims to create a space for genuine dialogue and ensure its platforms reflect the specific needs of South Auckland communities. It signals a move towards a more collaborative and responsive form of political representation.
This focus on accountability comes at a critical time for Auckland residents, who are facing significant cost-of-living pressures. It was recently announced that rates across the city are set to rise by 7.9 per cent, with properties in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe area facing an additional targeted increase, adding financial strain on local households. Issues like these are expected to be at the forefront of discussions.
Further community concerns that candidates may hear about include ongoing issues with illegal dumping, a problem that has disproportionately affected South Auckland. Residents in Papatoetoe have also previously expressed uncertainty about the future of their homes and neighbourhoods in the face of major infrastructure projects like Auckland's rapid transit plans.
Candidates and their communities
Te Whatanui Skipwith will be listening to concerns from the Ōtāhuhu electorate, a diverse and rapidly growing area facing challenges related to housing affordability, transport infrastructure, and access to services. The community's feedback will provide crucial insight into the priorities for the area, from public transport links to the provision of green spaces.
Representing the Māngere candidacy, Michel Mulipola will be hearing from a community known for its strong Pacific and Māori identity, vibrant culture, and youthful population. Key topics are likely to include employment opportunities, educational resources, and healthcare access. Health NZ has recently been seeking a new allied health leader for Manukau and Ōtara, signalling an ongoing focus on improving local health outcomes. Such events happening in the community highlight the importance of local leadership and mentorship.
According to the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand's official platform, its key principles are centred on ecological wisdom, social responsibility, appropriate decision-making, and non-violence. The party states that protecting the planet and supporting communities are interconnected goals, a philosophy the candidates are expected to bring to the discussion.
A welcoming and creative venue
The choice of venue, Taro Patch at The Garage on Dunnotar Road, is intended to create a welcoming and informal atmosphere. Described by organisers as being in the 'vibrant and colourful heart of Papatoetoe', the space is known for fostering culture, creativity, and community connection. It reflects a desire to move political engagement out of sterile halls and into accessible community hubs, similar to the role played by the area's many popular cafes and local businesses.
Ōtara and Papatoetoe are well-known for their lively community spirit, perhaps best exemplified by the famous Ōtara Saturday markets, which draw people from across Tāmaki Makaurau. The 'Whakarongo | Fa'alogo' event seeks to tap into this existing culture of connection and conversation that defines the local area.
The event is free, and all are welcome. While an RSVP is requested for catering purposes, organisers have extended an open invitation for people to 'drop in anytime and stay for as long or little as you want'. Limited free on-site parking is available, with additional on-street parks nearby. The venue is also a short 5-to-10-minute walk from bus and train services.
