Auckland Mayor Accused of Racism Following Clash with Pacific Councillors
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is facing accusations of racism after publicly questioning the work ethic of two Manukau ward councillors and alleging they were playing a “Pacific victim” card. The dispute, which erupted following claims by the mayor that the councillors were not adequately attending to their duties, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised concerns about inclusivity and respectful dialog within the Auckland Council.
The controversy began when Councillor Alf Filipaina expressed concern “about attendance when his is quite low,” Filipaina stated.
According to the data presented, Councillor Fuli boasts a 98% attendance rate, while Filipaina’s is 88%. brown’s attendance, in comparison, stands at 88%. However, the mayor dismissed these figures as “very selective,” claiming the councillors were neglecting crucial workshops where, he asserted, the majority of the council’s work takes place.
“It’s just rubbish,” Brown reportedly said, further alleging that the councillors were “doing what they always do, being Pacific victims. They’re always victims.” He also criticized Councillor Fuli’s practice of attending meetings remotely,noting she often doesn’t activate her camera during virtual sessions,leaving her location unknown.
Councillor Fuli vehemently refuted the mayor’s claims, labeling them “not only wrong, but damaging.” She directly challenged the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, stating, “Don’t buy into that racist rhetoric that brown people are lazy.Fact-check them. My record stands for itself – I’m there all the time, I’m out in our community all the time.”
Fuli further suggested the mayor’s remarks echoed attacks leveled against former mayoral candidate Fa’anānā Efeso Collins,implying a pattern of racially charged rhetoric. She also pointed out Brown’s own absence from a recent six-hour Governing Body meeting, stating, “He didn’t attend online, he didn’t attend at all. He was absent – and that was a really, really crucial meeting.” Brown attributed his absence to a family issue.
Filipaina, who has undergone both knee replacement surgeries, emphasized his continued commitment to serving the community despite physical challenges. “I go online. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing, representing our community,” he said, questioning the mayor’s motivations. He suggested Brown was attempting to create political divisions, stating, “He’s just making everything political now as he doesn’t want people on the Governing Body table that are going to disagree with him.”
fuli echoed this sentiment,asserting that Brown “doesn’t like the fact that he can’t bully me and Alf. We’ve actually been bold – we voted against the cuts he’s proposed.” She highlighted the broader impact of the mayor’s statements,arguing they reinforce damaging myths about the work ethic of Pacific Islanders and the strength of the Manukau community.
Councillor Josephine Bartley, the Governing body’s other Pacific representative, confirmed an 86% attendance rate and explained her absences were due to bereavement leave.
Brown defended his connection to South Auckland, stating, “I’ve got more votes than either of those do in South Auckland. so I represent everywhere – and I employ people in South Auckland.” He firmly rejected accusations of racism and bias, dismissing them as “bulls**t.”
Data from the Auckland Council reveals a more nuanced picture of attendance. In the last quarter, Fuli attended 94% of meetings, with an additional 4% attributed to council business. Filipaina attended 88% of meetings, plus 4% on council business. The mayor’s attendance was 79%,with 9% allocated to council business,totaling 88%. Notably, no Governing Body meeting this term has lacked a quorum, although two committees – Performance and Appointments, and Finance and Expenditure – have fallen short, with the mayor absent from at least one.
The escalating dispute underscores the complex dynamics within the Auckland Council and raises critical questions about inclusivity and respectful dialogue in local governance.
