CONGRATULATIONS - LE-AUFA’AMULIA ASENATI LOLE - TAYLOR

by Vinepa Aiono



This was somewhat late news to me that the NZ First candidate Asenati Lole - Taylor had been pitted against the very able Peseta Sam Lotu I'iga in the battle to take Maungakiekie. Given I have been busy with so many family events as of late - i should be forgiven for not being in "the know" of details from the Pacific cyber-news desk.
Asenati Lole - Taylor has often been heard over the air waves discussing local Pasifika events and issues within the Auckland region. Last I heard, she was the Auckland Pacific Liaison person for the Department of Corrections. Lole - Taylor is extremely vocal on many issues and is perhaps known more for her very forceful but likeable personality that has enabled her to become the Pacific socialite who is found at almost every Pacific event. Peseta on the other hand has the reputation of one who is humble, unassuming, well educated and forthright without seeming brash. Already he has made waves within the Auckland City Council.
While I admire both Lole - Taylor and Peseta for standing in the Maungakiekie seat, my pick is that Peseta will win the seat for National with a comfortable majority. Peseta has the makings of one who may even become the first Pasifika Prime Minister. Watch this space I say.
All the best to Asenati Lole - Taylor, the Pacific community celebrates your continued success.
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CONGRATULATIONS - PAPALI'I TUIFAASISINA POUTOA PAPALI'I

by Vinepa Aiono


Another Pacific candidate takes to pounding the "election pavement" in Manukau East. While I don't know anything about the political party that PAPALI'I TUIFAASISINA POUTOA PAPALI'I is standing for, I can say that I know him, his sister is a dear friend of mine and his family (like mine) is one of the first of the early Pacific settler families of Otara. His family home was a haven for many stray souls of the 60s and 70s who congregated there in Cobham Crescent for shelter, a homework centre, for friendship or just a warm meal. How appropriate that he should stand for the Family Party given the open house at all hours his parents offered to many young people of that time.
I'm sure the Hon. Tau Henare and Sua William Sio, who are also fellow "boys from the hood" and who have gone on to do great things will recall PAPALI'I TUIFAASISINA POUTOA PAPALI'I and the presence of his family in Otara all those years ago. As the saying goes, "The deeper your roots, the taller the tree grows". In this instance I hope the Papali'i family tree is the strongest. All the best to PAPALI'I TUIFAASISINA POUTOA PAPALI'I and hope he does Manukau East proud (but of course I'm only thinking of Otara since my mother still lives there).
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