Residents of Eastern Porirua are taking election engagement into their own hands with a community-led candidate forum designed to put voters at the centre of the conversation.
The event, set for Wednesday 17 September at Mungavin Hall, will bring together candidates for the Onepoto General Ward, Porirua-Tawa Greater Wellington Regional constituency, Parirua Māori Ward, and mayoralty. Hosted by the Eastern Porirua Voters Planning Group, the forum aims to create a space where residents, not politicians, set the agenda.
“We want the community in the driver’s seat so candidates get a real understanding of our community and our needs in the city we are proud of,” the planning group said in a joint statement.
Departing from the traditional model of political speeches and debates, the forum will feature a table-based format. Attendees will work together to generate and prioritise questions, which will then be posed to candidates live. Pre-written speeches and inter-candidate debate will be off-limits, reinforcing the community-first ethos.
“We like to talk with each other and come to a consensus as a community, about what works to lift us all up together,” the organisers said. “Candidates won’t be allowed to refute one another or dominate the mic, it’s about listening to the people.”
The initiative is backed by local groups including Wesley Action, Creeksiders, and Samoa Capital Radio, who are providing technical support to livestream the event. Accessibility features include sign language interpretation, children’s activities, and food trucks on site. Organisers are hoping to fill the hall with 100 residents from Ascot Park, Waitangirua, Cannons Creek, and Ranui.
The forum has already drawn strong interest, with diverse ethnic communities submitting questions ahead of time. Music and kai will contribute to a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, and attendees are encouraged to bring their voting papers and whānau.
“You are not doing this alone, we are doing this with the support of each other, our whānau, friends, neighbours and workmates. Nothing done about us, without us,” organisers said.
No registration is required, and updates are available on the “Eastern Porirua Voters” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579791181370
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Time: 6pm–8pm
Venue: Mungavin Hall, Mungavin
Open to all; no registration required
Sign language interpreter available
Children’s activities provided
Food trucks on site
