We think this year's local Government elections are particularly important - they'll determine the future of councils and cities across Aotearoa, as well as the type of leadership we see in our communities. There's no level of government more directly involved in the day-to-day happenings within your local community than council.
Have your say on the issues affecting your local community by voting for the candidates you feel best represent your voice. Regardless of where in the motu you live and vote, please do check that you are enrolled and return your vote before 12 noon on election day, Saturday October 8, 2022 (here are the places you can do that in Tāmaki).
Ensemble cares deeply about Tāmaki Makaurau. The team is based here, and it is also home to the majority of our local fashion industry (of which we dedicate a lot of our focus to).
So, in the spirit of keeping it local, we asked our two front-running Auckland mayoral candidates to tell us where they spend their time and money - because we know that where every dollar gets spent is both a personal and political choice.
Wayne Brown's team did not respond to our request to feature him as part of this regular and popular Ensemble series, so here is where the Greens and Labour endorsed candidate, Efeso Collins (currently the Manukau Ward councillor who proudly lives in South Auckland with his wife and two daughters) chooses to frequent and support.
What makes Auckland so special?
Our natural beauty and our people.
What are the biggest issues facing our city?
Housing, transport, and the cost of living.
Where will you be on election day?
Phone banking in our team HQ, with family, then with my campaign team.
Where do you get your morning coffee? (and what’s your coffee order)
Flat white, Lime cafe (Ōtāhuhu).
The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?
Sam Woo Vietnamese Cafe, Ōtāhuhu.
Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?
Try It Out, Ōtāhuhu.
Best ‘cheap eat’?
Where do you go for takeaways when you can’t be bothered cooking?
You’re celebrating: where to?
Eight at Cordis.
Your local/bar?
Gemini, Ōtāhuhu.
How many houses do you own?
Two.
Favourite place for a gig?
Soap on K Road.
Best annual event?
Where do you go to ‘indulge’?
Noodles in Mt Albert.
Your regular dairy and supermarket?
FreshChoice Ōtāhuhu.
Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?
Your favourite council owned community venue?
Te Oro music and arts centre in Glen Innes.
Best event you’ve ever attended in Auckland?
A Boyz II Men show.
Best store/boutique?
Say-Mose Design in Henderson.
Favourite spot for NZ fashion?
Main street of Avondale.
Nature in the city: where’s your favourite spot?
The Māngere maunga.
Your favourite Auckland building?
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.
An Auckland icon that must be protected?
Our waterways, like Manukau Harbour.
An Auckland icon gone before its time?
Orpheus Theatre in Ōtāhuhu.
Best Auckland ‘secret'?
Point England beach and reserve.
Anywhere else you’d like to add - or give a shout out to?
Shout out to my wife Fia and her support!
