Te Whatanui Leka Taumalolo Skipwith, widely recognised for his advocacy protecting the ancestral whenua and waterways of Rotokākahi, has been selected as the Green Party candidate for the Ōtāhuhu electorate in the upcoming General Election.
Skipwith has whakapapa to Te Arawa, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Kāi Tahu, and has Tongan heritage, he has spent years working on the frontlines of community and social services, says his campaign is built on a foundation of kotahitanga and service. Known for championing mana whenua leadership and environmental justice, Skipwith is now turning his focus to the legislative arena to ensure South Auckland communities are central to the decision-making process.
“Too often, decisions are made about our communities without our communities,” Skipwith said. “I’m standing because our people deserve leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and puts whānau at the centre of every decision”.
With a background spanning youth development, mental health, and kaupapa Māori initiatives, Skipwith’s platform prioritises several key issues, including:
• Affordable Housing: Ensuring secure and accessible homes for all.
• Cost-of-Living Relief: Providing tangible support for whānau navigating current economic pressures.
• Healthcare and Education: Investing in the quality services the community requires.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Honouring and upholding Te Tiriti as a cornerstone of governance.
• Rangatahi Development: Backing youth with the opportunities they need to thrive.
• Environmental Protection: Continuing his work to protect te taiao.
• Community Safety: Building stronger neighbourhoods through community-led solutions.
Rejecting the idea of a campaign run from a distance, Skipwith intends to continue his ground-level advocacy, engaging directly with residents in local streets, marae, churches, and community halls.
“Politics shouldn’t just happen in Parliament. It should happen in our streets, our marae, our churches, our sports clubs, and our community halls,” he added. “That’s where the real conversations happen, and that’s where I’ll continue to be”.
Skipwith describes the campaign as a collective effort, focused on building a future that supports all generations while safeguarding the whenua and waters that sustain the community.