With Autumn in full swing, a shift in leadership is occurring within the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
Dr. Ofa Dewes' tenure as the deputy chair, which commenced for the initial portion of the term, has now concluded, with Vi Hausia assuming the role.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia expresses, “Thank you to Dr Ofa Dewes for her leadership in the Deputy role. Her experience and professionalism provided a steady hand in our role as governors. She will continue as a board member representing our Papatoetoe community.”
Dr Ofa Dewes was born and raised in Suva, Fiji, and is part-Rotuman, Tongan and Tuvaluan, with affiliation to Ngāti Porou. She was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023 for services to health and the Pacific community.
Members have split the three-year term in half with a different deputy chair for each.
Apulu says, “Vi Hausia is a young, educated, Pacific person, raised in South Auckland, and who will continue the good work Dr Dewes began this term. His excellent analytical skills and strong community connections will be well used in serving our local board area.”
Vi Hausia assumes his role as deputy chair from 29 April until October 2025.
Vi adds, “It is a privilege to be given the confidence of the Board to serve as Deputy Chair for the second half of the term.
“A lot has already happened this term, both at a local and regional level, and there is so much more to do. I look forward to supporting the Chair and the rest of the board as we continue to advocate for our constituents.”
Local board business meetings are open to the public and the next business meeting takes place in Manukau on Tuesday 21 May, 5pm.
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