A Pasifika woman has been elected as an Auckland councillor for the first time since the super city was established in 2010.
Josephine Bartley, who has Sāmoan and Chinese heritage, was voted in as the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councillor in the recent by-election.
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The Labour candidate beat out her closest rival, the National-aligned Auckland Future candidate Josh Beddell, 7073 votes to 5580.
Ms Bartley hopes her election sends a message of inclusion.
"Auckland is a diverse community, it's a diverse area, it's a diverse population and it's great to have diversity reflected in the governance of the city," she says.
The by-election was sparked by former Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councillor Denise Lee stepping down, after being elected as National MP for Maungakiekie in September.
The election of Ms Bartley increases the majority held by the council's left-leaning block, potentially making it easier for Mayor Phil Goff to make the changes he wants.
"I've already had several opportunities to work with the Mayor regarding [the] Point England [housing development], illegal dumping, that sort of thing, so I'm very much looking forward to working with him," says Ms Bartley.
She adds it feels "awesome" to have swung the seat back to Labour, and believes it's a vote of confidence for the party.
"It feels like validation for some of the things we need to achieve as progressives such as better public transport, looking after the environment, housing affordability and looking after the community."
Newshub.
