Josephine Bartley has been showing up for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community for over a decade — first on the Local Board, then as a city councillor. She’s the first Pacific woman elected to Auckland Council, and she’s not afraid to get stuck in, whether it’s helping clean up after floods, pushing for fewer liquor stores, or standing up for safer streets.

She grew up in Māngere, raised by hardworking Sāmoan parents who came here chasing a better life. Inspired by people like David Lange, she studied law to stand up against unfairness — especially the kind that people in her own community faced. Her journey’s always been about service and doing the mahi to make a real difference.

When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her baking coconut buns (pani popo), attending local events, or just being present for her people. She loves where she lives and is always doing her best to make it better for everyone.