More than 100 residents and ratepayers packed Mungavin Hall on Wednesday 17 September for a community-led “Meet the Candidates” event, with a further 20 to 30 people joining via livestream and 2,725 online views recorded within 12 hours.
In a fresh approach to political engagement, the evening placed residents at the centre. Instead of speeches, participants gathered in table discussions to raise shared concerns. These questions were then put directly to the 17 candidates standing for Porirua’s Māori and Onepoto wards, mayoralty, and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
“Residents spoke first, not the candidates,” said a coalition organiser. “It meant candidates had to think on their feet rather than relying on rehearsed speeches. The answers were more real, more relevant, and more connected to what our people wanted to hear.”
The event was organised by a coalition including Wesley Community Action – Porirua, Sāmoan Capital Radio, Partners Porirua, Porirua City Council, Porirua News, Pacific News Media, and CreekSiders.
Candidates welcomed the resident-led model. “It gave every candidate a fair share of time to deliver their platform in a very comfortable and safe environment. It is right up there with the best I’ve been involved in,” said one. Another described it as “warm and meaningful,” while others praised the atmosphere and live streaming by Sāmoan Capital Radio.
Organisers were taken by surprise at the turnout. “We didn’t expect such a huge turnout, we ran out of chairs and tables. People had to stand at the back. We’re incredibly grateful to our community for showing up in such force,” said a coalition member.
To ensure inclusivity, a children’s table was set up to ease childcare barriers, a Classic Kiwi Kai food truck provided dinner options, and raffle prizes were donated by Wesley Community Action and Sāmoan Capital Radio.
Community partners also highlighted the collaborative effort. “So cool, quite a historic moment actually,” said one. Another added: “Congratulations for an outstanding community event and thanks for great collaboration.”
Organisers said the hui filled a long-standing gap. “There’s been a clear lack of platforms in Eastern Porirua where residents can hear directly from candidates and ask questions that matter to them. This event is a stake in the ground, a way to measure not just promises made, but whether they’re followed through after the election.”
Recordings of the hui quickly gained traction:
- Facebook livestream: 2.2K views
- YouTube livestream: 525 views
- Total: 2,725 views within 12 hours
Recordings can be viewed at:
- Facebook: Watch here
- YouTube: Watch here
Feedback is now being gathered through a post-event candidate survey, with organisers exploring how the model can be used in future political processes. The Eastern Porirua Voters Facebook group will continue to support engagement through this election and into preparations for the 2026 central government elections.
“We tried something different, and it worked,” said an organiser. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our next step is to build on this momentum and keep community voices at the heart of decision-making.”
