Sir John is well-regarded in the Manurewa community and has been a popular figure since his days on the Manukau City Council.
The Olympic gold medallist is the brains behind one of South Auckland's most talked about initiatives in recent years - the Find Your Field of Dreams foundation.
The initiative has seen thousands of youngsters take up regular swimming lessons and sports in various parks around the Southside over the years.
His push to provide a better atmosphere and create better opportunities for local youth - through sport - has made him a much-loved figure in South Auckland.
Mr Penrose was the last mayor for Papakura before the Super City was created. He, too, is a favourite among residents, but he is quick to deflect anything that might look like praise.
"At the end of the day, the community will speak," he said.
"But I think what people need to think about when voting is who will represent them the best and who will be committed in the job."
Mr Penrose said too many councillors had been lazy, absent from council meetings too many times and have not turned up to important workshops.
"It's been appalling, to be honest. But I want to do the work and I'm here for the long-run, if I'm re-elected," he said.
Housing, housing affordability and the need for more jobs were some of the big issues facing the ward at the moment, he said.
"People don't want to be living in a box apartment on top of other apartments. Creating more employment out there is also a must and if I'm re-elected, that will be a key priority."
The Manurewa-Papakura ward is diverse, with 37.6 per cent of the population European, 22.4 per cent Maori, 18 per cent Pasifika, 10.1 per cent Asian and 1.5 per cent Middle Eastern / Latin American / African, and 10.4 either of other ethnicities or whose ethnicity is not listed. With a median age of 30 years, it is still a fairly young area.
Two other teams are vying for the ward council spots - from theMana Movement ticket and Team South.
The Mana candidates include James Papali'i, who has a long history in social work and working with local youth. He has also lectured at the University of Auckland.
An interesting pairing is the Team South ticket - made up of former Manukau City councillor Colleen Brown and former deputy mayor of the old Papakura district Peter Goldsmith.
The pairing is significant as Mrs Brown has traditionally been a Labour candidate and Mr Goldsmith a National candidate. Mr Goldsmith has good standing in Papakura, where he has served for a long time. Mrs Brown has a good rapport with the Manurewa community, having been a solid councillor in Manukau City and a member of the Manurewa Local Board for years.
In recent weeks, she has come out to say her sole reason for running for the Super City council is to make sure South Auckland is not neglected.
Mrs Brown said the council's planned $1.8 million over 10 years for the Southern Initiative was not good enough, given billions would be spent on the inner city's infrastructure.
There are 34 candidates battling to get on the Manurewa and Papakura local boards.
With so many names, it's no wonder many residents admit they need to do more research to figure out who will get their vote.
Probably one of the more well-known names in the bunch is George Hawkins, of the Manurewa Action Team ticket. Mr Hawkins was the Labour MP for Manurewa last term and stepped down when he was elected on to the local board in the 2010 elections.
He is also a former Papakura mayor and a councillor in that district. His strong links to both Manurewa and Papakura, as well as his popularity in the region, give him a good chance of another term.
Local body basics
There are three main contests:
1. Mayoral election.
2. 20 councillors in 13 wards.
3. 21 local boards.
Key dates
September 20-25: Postal voting papers delivered.
October 12: Election day.
This week
Yesterday: Manukau.
Today: Manurewa-Papakura.
Tomorrow: Franklin.
For more on the candidates in your local area see voteauckland.co.nz
