He told Pacific Scoop his message to voters is to use the mayoral race as an opportunity to think differently about Auckland's multiculturalism, and to "unite our differences".

He says he stands as an independent mayoral candidate and he wants Auckland council's policies and resourcing to work more for the less well-off communities.

Unasa, who is a Samoan born Methodist minister, is currently a chaplain at Auckland University and lives in Parnell.

After attending Kelston High School he studied at Auckland University, graduating with a degree in History and Political Studies. He then earned a degree in Theology from the University of Otago. He trained for the ministry at Piula Theological College in Samoa, Knox Theological Hall in Dunedin, and Trinity Methodist College in Auckland.

Ordained in the Methodist Church in 1995, he spent a decade in parish ministry.

The sitting mayor, Len Brown, appointed Unasa, as Chairman of the Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel, but the Samoan Methodist minister said it had not been heard and had come to nothing.

Auckland's two Pasifika city councillors say their communities won't fall for a call to reject Len Brown in favour of a Pasifika mayor. They are supporting Mr Brown.

Source

• Pacific Scoop
• Pasifikmag.com
• Radio New Zealand
• Image: 3News

The call to march came from the Auckland City Council appointed Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel, which says it wants to stop being a "rubber stamp" for council policies and create an independent Pacific forum.

The chairman of the Advisory Panel is Reverend Uesifili Unasa, Auckland University chaplain. He said the march is a community initiative to give visibility to the growing inequality of people, families and communities in New Zealand society.

"The decision by the organisers to march is a reluctant one. However, such is the concern and frustration by our communities for our families, children and communities that remaining silent or doing nothing is no longer an option," said Uesifili.

Church youth leader Harry Toleafoa said of the march: "My generation is standing up for our parents who have cleaned this city and worked its factory floors."

When the protestors gathered in Aotea Square, one of the speakers, Efeso Collins, from Advance Pasifika, called for the ministers, priests and MPs in the crowd "to come forth so the people could see their leaders." The The Auckland Now reporter did not say how many did so.

The March which, has been called "the march for the poor", attracted about 1000 people.

The organisers hope the march will lead to specific council initiatives to help Pacific Islanders and create better representation at council level.

Source

• TVNZ
• Auckland Now
• Image: Pacific Art Stuff.co.nz