Source: Radio New Zealand. Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt, making history as Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor.
Fauono secured 8704 votes, comfortably ahead of Brady Dyer (6974), Karen Morgan (5529), and Prabha Ravi (3608).
His victory marks a historic milestone for Pacific representation in local government. A long-time broadcaster, sports commentator, and former councillor.
Fauono has been a visible advocate for inclusion, youth opportunity, and safer communities across the Wellington region.
He is also the only Pasifika mayoral candidate to have been successfully elected in this year’s local elections.
Also in Hutt City, Mele Tonga-Grant won a council seat in the at-large race by a margin of just one vote, 7759 to 7758 over independent candidate Kath McGuinness, one of the tightest results in the country.
The result remains provisional, with preliminary results due on Monday and the final count, including special votes, to be confirmed on Friday.
In the Hutt Valley, Pacific representation also continues at the community level. In the Wainuiomata Community Board election, Lesa Bingley (Independent) received 2264 votes, followed by Vatau Sagaga with 2097 and Lahraine Sagaga (Independent) with 1914.
Their results reflect a strong Pacific presence among local candidates contributing to grassroots leadership across the Wellington region.
