Stories by Justin Latif
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Life in transition: What it's like waiting for a state house
There are currently 5090 families living in transitional housing as they wait for a permanent spot to come up. Local Democracy Reporting's Justin Latif spoke to one of them.
Making learning fun again: Educators look forward to finally getting out of the classroom
After two years of lockdowns and restricted group sizes, schools say it is vital for children that learning is again made interactive and exciting.
Residents fight back against packs of aggressive canines
A petition is calling for something to be done about packs of dogs harassing people in Ōtara, but local politicians say the problem runs deeper than just animal management.
Food banks are a godsend, but one charity believes there’s a better way
Food banks are under more pressure than ever due to the cost of living, but one South Auckland social service questions whether they're the only way to help.
Siren love: Noisy neighbourhood nuisance or misunderstood musical subculture?
To some they provoke nothing but contempt, but those who compete in Auckland's siren battles say it's a 'brotherhood' giving Pacific youth a positive alternative to night clubbing and gangs. Video
Composting initiative to ‘supercharge’ Māngere marae’s good works
A south Auckland marae is establishing a community compost collection service intended in part to help young people learn about sustainability.
Will the government’s massive Māngere housing project repeat past mistakes?
Plans to build 10,000 new houses in Māngere may help solve Auckland's housing shortage, but many fear it will gentrify the suburb in the process.
South Auckland church steps up for at-risk families struggling to self-isolate
With cases of Omicron accelerating at an alarming rate, one South Auckland reverend is calling on fellow ministers to put their hands up to help those needing to self-isolate.
Community housing providers call on government to turn up supply
The government is investing more into housing than ever, yet experts say it is not how much but where it is being spent that will make the difference.
One man’s 37-year battle to get a speed bump installed
Almost four decades since he was nearly killed in a hit-and-run incident on a Manurewa road, Jared Ifwersen is finally seeing action.
Recycling startup growing, despite tornado and pandemic
A plastic recycling business brought to its knees by a tornado is back on its feet, promising to transform the industry - if it can find the right investors.
Is it time for council to throw South Auckland some shade?
To many it might be a leafy paradise, but for those in the south of the city, Auckland can seem more like a barren, concrete-covered desert. However, as Justin Latif reports, new council funding may…
Who wants to be Auckland’s mayor?
While Aucklanders may only just be returning from sunning themselves on the beach, the race to become the city's next mayor is already heating up.
'We're here if you need us': Manurewa marae gets South Auckland boosted
As the country prepared to move into red, the Manurewa marae held one final mass vaccination event.
Auckland DHBs brace for 1800 Omicron cases a day
New modelling suggests Auckland will face well over 1000 daily Omicron cases at the peak of a potential outbreak, but some are concerned the projections are underestimating the real risk.
Māngere sends strong message on light rail: 'This is for us'
The government will be announcing the route and preferred mode for its long-promised Auckland light rail plans in the next two weeks. But will the affected South Auckland communities be along for the…
How South Auckland’s reputation for tagging was turned around
South Auckland was once seen as a tagger's paradise, but now the region is home to an array of stunning murals and brilliant graffiti art, thanks mainly to the Manukau Beautification Trust.
South Aucklanders get set to cool off as pools reopen post-lockdown
Being able to dive in at one of the free pools around South Auckland tomorrow will be a long-awaited respite for many who have struggled with the city's arduous 107-day lockdown.
Free public transport could be life-changing for many, say campaigners
Alan Shaker believes if public transport was made free for tertiary students along with all community service card holders and those under 25, it would "level the playing field" for those in South…
Clinic owned by Destiny Church members helping to vaccinate South Auckland
Meet the South Auckland GP getting thousands vaccinated and tested with the implicit blessing of Destiny Church.
'Start with trusting us': health providers' plea as government sets out new approach
Social service and healthcare providers told the health minister about several pandemic problems before changes were announced today.
South Auckland politicians give mixed reviews on new zoning rules
New Zealand is in a housing crisis driven by a shortage in affordable homes, so with Labour and National coming together to promise an easing of zoning laws, what's not to like?
Cabinet never considered prioritising South Auckland vaccines, documents reveal
Public health experts have expressed disappointment after discovering the government didn't discuss their advice to prioritise vaccination efforts in the area.
Life after lockdown: What it’s like for a South Auckland student returning to school
Gardenia Lemoa is a year 12 Māngere College student among the thousands of senior high school pupils across Auckland who returned to school last month. She recounts what it's been like to be back.
Lips syncs and facts: Pacific doctors fight misinformation on TikTok
In an effort to get more Pacific people vaccinated, a group of doctors have taken to TikTok and Instagram to get the message out there.
