The government budget is out with tax cuts at last and good news for us at uni because they’ve raised the student allowances too. The general elections are just around the corner so SPASIFIKmag.com hit the streets to ask Pacific tertiary students for their views. We asked them two questions.
1. Which party will you vote for in the upcoming New Zealand general elections?
2. Do you think building a new university in Manukau to fill the education gap where 40% of South Aucklanders are under the age of 20, is a good idea?
Here’s what they said.
Name: Puta Palelei Oloananu
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Study: Bar School
Ethnicity: Samoan (Lefaga, Matafa’a)
Hometown: Mangere
“I don’t know who I’m going to vote for in the next election because I haven’t really thought about it.”
“I think it’s a cool idea because a lot of students from Auckland Uni are from South Auckland and it’s hard to travel every day.”
Name: Fa’ataga Siava
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Study: University of Auckland - Faculty of Law
Ethnicity: Samoan (Fagali’i & Vaipuna)
Hometown: Mangere
“I don’t know - I’m not really interested.”
“I think it’s good because South Auckland needs it. It will be good for students who live out there to stay local.”
Name: Diane Roberts
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Study: Cut Above Academy
Ethnicity: Maori (Nga Puhi & Ngati Porou)
Reside: Otara
“I’m not old enough yet but when I do I suppose I will vote green party because I like their policies and they care for the environment.”
“I think it’s good because it will give young people from south Auckland more opportunities.”
Name: Jesse Rogan-Makakea
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Study: Cut Above Academy
Ethnicity: Maori (Taranaki), Cook Islands (Atiu)
Reside: Otara
“I’m going to vote for Green Party because they’re trying to stop whaling.”
“It would be cheaper and closer for those who live out there like me.”
Name: Toala Latu
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Study: Auckland University of Technology -Business
Ethnicity: Tongan (Lapaha, Nukualofa)
Reside: Onehunga
“I don’t know who I’m going to vote for. It’s too early for me to decide right now but someone will have to remind me because I might forget to.”
“Yes, that’s a great idea because it will be more achievable for youth from South Auckland to go to university if it’s in their area.”
Name: Tevita Fonua
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Study: Auckland University of Tech-Business.
Ethnicity: Tongan (Leimatua, Vavau)
Reside: Glen Innes
“I’m going to vote for Labour because they have done good things for students.”
“It’s good because it will keep youth on the south-side busy. Will be easier for transport too.”
Name: Matilda Tiakia
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Study: Auckland University of Technology - Bachelors in Geography.
Ethnicity: Samoan
Reside: Otahuhu
‘I’ll probably vote for Labour because my whole family votes for Labour. My nana said that Labour support Pacific people a lot.”
“I wouldn’t go there if that happened because I like it here at Auckland Uni. It’s good to be in different surroundings rather than see the same old faces and places out south. But it would be good for most Pacific people that live there.”
Name: Sandra Atoa
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Study: Auckland University of Technology - Bachelors in Business
Ethnicity: Samoan (Tuaefu)
Reside: Manurewa
“I’m going to vote for Labour because of the Tax cuts and the increase in Student Allowances.”
“I think it’s good for transport. Especially for youth that stay in South Auckland, it will be easy access.”
