Stories by Mary Afemata

One Auckland school had to buy 200 pies for students after their lunches arrived nearly four hours late. "It's not okay when I've got hungry kids."

Community members have been left reeling after a playground and seating area were dismantled and fenced off to deter public drinking.

But because the problem involves private property, it falls outside the council's dumping removal regulations.

The most popular Pacific baby names for 2024 in Aotearoa have been revealed, with Kaia topping the girls' list and Malakai leading the boys.

Health leaders say the move is shocking, given the high bowel cancer death rates among Māori and Pacific communities.

There is also greater concern for the impact on Māori, Pasifika, and vulnerable communities.

Break-ins at two Ōtara schools and a local preschool have led to calls for more security patrols and community vigilance.

A vibrant new market is transforming South Auckland, offering local Māori and Pacific entrepreneurs a fee-free platform to showcase their products, with space, gear, and power provided.

The Adullam Boys Club appealed to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for continued funding support this week.

After many long nights and tears, a business owner is celebrating her babywear company's second anniversary alongside the launch of a pop up store.

The council needs to do more community engagement to increase uptake, a local board chair says.

The Beautification trust has become a key player in South Auckland's efforts to maintain clean and vibrant communities.

The annual secondary school festival, which began in Ōtara in 1976 to celebrate Pacific and Indigenous culture, has grown into one of the largest Pacific festivals in the world.

Cleaning up graffiti at a recently-opened south Auckland playground has cost more than $20,000 in just over a year.

Some Auckland public transport users say they will stick with their AT HOP cards to retain the discounted fares.

A community leader and educator was stunned to see former students step forward, following a public appeal.

The council is looking at stricter rules for cats, including de-sexing and micro-chipping.

Once an underused display and a target for graffiti, the canvas now hosts one of the town's art projects.

There were several incidents of vandalism at the $10.8 million Hayman Park I Manukau Iho Noa playground and a further 15 in the local area have also been damaged.

Auckland's Santa Parade will celebrate its 91st year with a well-known Australian pup making her first appearance.

The project is aimed at protecting vulnerable Māngere communities which are currently highly prone to flooding.

The trio won the Rangatahi Leadership award at this year's Tāmaki Makaurau Waste Awards for repurposing food waste from local shops.

A Pacific community leader is lauding the improvement of parks in South Auckland.

Many say young people are the leaders of tomorrow. Dr Will Flavell disagrees: "Our young people are the leaders of now."

Project Ikuna offers Auckland businesses with jobs at risk of automation and technological advancements the chance to upskill their Pacific workers.