Torika Tokalau

New Zealand

Senior Pacific Reporter at Stuff.co.nz

Senior Journalist at Stuff.co.nz

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Articles

Improvements to Bombay SH1 southbound off-ramp get underway

1 day ago | 1news.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

Work to improve one of the busiest intersections south of Auckland will get underway this Sunday. The efficiency and safety on the southbound off-ramp at Bombay Interchange has been a concern for motorists for years. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would begin a four- to five- month project, beginning on the evening of May 18. It would be stage two of the works that were completed in March.
Stuff

2 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Torika Tokalau
Memorial for unmarked graves 'place of healing and unity'

4 days ago | 1news.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

Families and loved ones of those resting in unmarked graves at a south Auckland cemetery want a memorial to be a place of peace, reflection and love — where all are welcome. The unmarked graves at Pukekohe Cemetery, many of them Māori babies, have long been a source of pain to many in the rural south Auckland community.
Stuff

4 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Torika Tokalau
Fresh push for new bottle store in 'worst' location

2 weeks ago | 1news.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

A third attempt to set up a bottle shop near three schools in south Auckland is being strongly opposed by the community and advocacy groups. Russell Road Liquor has made an application to the District Licensing Committee (DLC) to operate a new off-licence bottle shop at 70 Russell Road, Manurewa. The site is the old Black Bull Liquor Manurewa, which failed to reestablish a licence twice, the most recent last year.
Stuff

2 weeks ago | stuff.co.nz | Torika Tokalau
Young south Auckland politician quits local politics

3 weeks ago | teaonews.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

One of Auckland’s youngest politicians has decided to resign from local politics, ahead of the local elections in October. Logan Soole, 25, (Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa), is a member of the Franklin Local Board. Soole, who was first elected at just 19 years old, will spend his last day in office in early June. The Pukekohe local has decided to move to London to join his partner, but promises this isn’t the last New Zealand will see of him. “I will be be back,” Soole said.
Stuff

3 weeks ago | stuff.co.nz | Torika Tokalau
Auckland Council seeks candidates for local elections, salaries up to $300k

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

Auckland Council is advertising post-election roles with salaries from $31,000 to $300,000. The council’s Lou-Ann Ballantyne emphasised the need for new perspectives and no political experience is necessary. Candidate nominations for October are open from July 4 to August 1, with a webinar on April 30 for more information. A range of positions are being advertised by Auckland Council, with the potential to earn from $31,000 to $300,000-plus a year. But there’s a catch.
Why some Aucklanders get extra votes in local election

1 month ago | tpplus.co.nz | Torika Tokalau

[auhtor-details]By Torika Tokalau of Local Democracy Reporting Some Aucklanders may be eligible to more than one vote in the upcoming local elections in October. The local election is where residents choose who its mayor, ward councillors and local board members will be to shape the future of Auckland. Auckland Council’s electoral officer, Dale Ofsoske from Independent Election Services, said it was important to note some Aucklanders may be allowed to vote more than once.