Mangere takes step to the right

Sylvia Taylor

A former National Party candidate was yesterday elected to represent Mangere on the Manukau City Council in a byelection called after the resignation of a councillor convicted of fraud.

Sylvia Taylor, the Mangere Residents and Ratepayers candidate, won with 3110 votes, or 464 more than nearest rival David Maria.

"This was the strongest Labour seat in the country and I'm a white woman so it really is a big win," she said.

Ms Taylor, who stood for National in the Mangere seat in the 1999 and 2002 elections, and has run for council three times previously, said she was surprised by the "significant" number of Pacific Islanders who had supported her.

"A lot of people wanted an honest politician and some had become very disheartened with what has been going on lately.

"It's been quite an interesting situation with the Pacific Island women in particular who have supported me - they all say they want a change."

The Mangere vacancy was created by the fraud conviction and subsequent resignation of James Papali'i in August.

Papali'i was found guilty on 15 charges of defrauding the Whare Nui Sports Trust of money earmarked for outrigger and waka clubrooms amounting to $40,000.

Ms Taylor, the chairwoman and acting manager of the Disabled Citizens Society, has a background in real estate. She advocates against benefits for those under the age of 20, and wants to break generational dependency on welfare.

"The problem when a young person goes straight on to a benefit after the parents have been on them is no knowledge base has been passed down nor will one go to the next.

"I've always been concerned when you look at so many girls having children at a young age, most of whom have none of the necessary life skills like budgeting or even cooking."

Ms Taylor has also spoken out against the number of liquor outlets in the Mangere area and against prostitution.

Manukau City Mayor Sir Barry Curtis said her win was "predictable".

"It was really Sylvia Taylor versus the rest and I'm sure they will now realise that the left side of the spectrum carved up the vote amongst many candidates and left the candidate of the right to ride in on a handsome victory.

"I think we have the result of an election which reflects the determination, achievement and the service by a person to the community."

Voter turn-out was 26.88 per cent compared with 30.34 per cent for the last byelection in Mangere in 2003.