Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina has announced he will not seek re-election for the council but is aiming for a local board seat in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland.
Filipaina, who has been active in local government since 2003, stated that he thought it might be time to bring in someone younger, explaining that he implemented a succession plan before the 2022 elections.
The veteran Pasifika politician has also ruled out a run for the Auckland mayoralty, noting, “It’s a rich man’s game; you need money.” He estimates that the cost to campaign for mayor could range from $300,000 to $500,000, which would require a loan to cover any financial shortfall.
While he hopes to continue serving in local government through the local board, his future depends on whether he is selected to run and then elected.
Labour is expected to announce successful local board selections on March 20. Last weekend, the party confirmed that Māngere–Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chairman Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich and Councillor Lotu Fuli will be the candidates for the Manukau Ward.
