Tōia Talks Elections Special: Stand Your Ground. Make it Count.

Local teams to create election campaigns targeting young voters.

Tōia Talks will partner with the Electoral Commission on Friday 25 August to encourage youth voting in the Manukau East electorate. “We’re very excited to be part of this innovative and timely programming,” said Registrar of Electors, Georgia Tatana. “We’re excited to register voters on the night as well.”

Two teams have been invited to develop and pitch youth voting campaigns in the lead up to the General Elections on 23 September. One team comprised of Manukau East Youth MP Selena Gordon and Māngere- Ōtāhuhu Local Board Māori Leadership Cadet, Te Ari Awa will challenge a wild card team comprised of queer Pacific art collective, FAF SWAG.

“FAF SWAG sees the importance of advocating for a voice to represent our issues and our needs. It matters to participate in the democratic process so while we have this opportunity we shouldn’t waste it,” says FAFSWAG co-founder, Pati Solomona Tyrell. “Your voice is important and valuable.”

The audience will choose the winning campaign using ballots they receive at entry. Information on both campaigns will be shared on Library and Electoral Commission social media platforms.

There are 8,450 voters under the age of 25 in the Manukau East electorate, including first time voters. Only 58 per cent of these are enrolled to vote in this election.

Tōia Talks is a free quarterly public lecture series aimed at ‘convening community leaders, social activators, and change-makers to share stories and offer solutions for a better world’. It is an initiative of Ōtāhuhu Pātaka Kōrero Ōtāhuhu Library.

This lecture series is supported by Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board via Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Arts.

Friday, 25 August 2017

6.30pm light refreshments.

7pm Campaigns followed by Electoral Commission comments and winner announcement.

Mullins Room, Ōtāhuhu Pātaka Kōrero Ōtāhuhu Library

28 Mason Avenue, Ōtāhuhu. FREE.

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