FIRST FILIPINO CONSULTATION FRANKLIN, AUCKLAND NZ

A milestone was unlocked for our community.

The Filipino community in Franklin has reached a historic moment with our first-ever Filipino Local Board Consultation. This milestone not only reflects our collective voice, service, and unity but also highlights the growing diversity and inclusivity of Franklin as a whole.

What began as a simple desire to serve our people and share the love we have received has grown into something bigger than we imagined. We never expected that our community would one day stand in a formal consultation space, contributing directly to shaping Franklin’s future.

From invisibility to representation

In October 2026, we attended the Ethnic Leaders Forum for Franklin, Papakura, and Manurewa. It was a meaningful gathering but also a moment of sadness.

Among the flags displayed to represent the diverse communities of South Auckland, the Philippine flag was missing.

That absence stirred something deep within us:

a desire to be seen,

a longing to be heard,

and a commitment to represent who we are as a people.

Today’s consultation is a direct answer to that desire, empowering our community and making us feel that our voices truly matter.

A privilege.

A responsibility.

A step forward for every Filipino family in Franklin.

A united Filipino presence across Franklin

Filipinos from Drury, Pukekohe, Clarks Beach, and Waiuku attended the consultation, demonstrating the strength and unity of our community across Franklin, inspiring pride in our collective presence.

Our youth also stepped forward, students confidently sharing their thoughts, concerns, and hopes for Franklin. Their participation was not only welcomed but encouraged, proving that young Filipinos have a rightful place in shaping local decisions.

WHAT OUR FILIPINO COMMUNITY SAID

During the consultation, participants contributed to the Vision Wall, providing insights that will inform future local policies and initiatives. The Franklin Local Board will consider these ideas to ensure our community's needs and aspirations are reflected in decision-making.

TRANSPORT

Filipino residents highlighted practical, everyday concerns:

• Need for better bus frequency, especially on weekends.

• Safer bus stops near schools (KingsGate, School Street).

• Shelters for waiting passengers.

• Road maintenance issues: potholes, flooding, unsafe junctions.

• Secure bike and scooter parking for students.

• Transport support for special needs students.

These reflect a community that relies heavily on public transport and seeks safer, more reliable mobility options.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Participants shared ideas on how Franklin’s spaces can better support families:

• More inclusive community spaces.

• Safer pedestrian areas.

• Better lighting and pathways.

• Infrastructure that reflects the needs of growing multicultural communities.

The Filipino community wants a Franklin where families feel safe, connected, and welcomed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Filipinos expressed a strong interest in opportunities that uplift families and youth:

• Local job recruitment fairs.

• Partnerships with local businesses to create youth employment pathways.

• Peer support networks for job seekers.

• Welcome packs for new Filipino families.

• Free ESL classes to support newcomers.

• Community-led street clean-up initiatives.

These ideas show a community eager to contribute, grow, and strengthen Franklin’s workforce and neighborhoods.

COMMUNITY

The Community section of the Vision Wall was filled with ideas showing how deeply Filipinos value connection, belonging, and service.

• More cultural visibility.

• Youth empowerment programs.

• Family-friendly events.

• Stronger collaboration with local organizations.

This is where the Filipino spirit of bayanihan shone the brightest.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Only one note was placed here, a reminder that future consultations can explore how Filipinos can contribute to environmental stewardship in Franklin.

A milestone, a movement, a beginning

This first local board consultation for Filipinos is more than an event.

It is a turning point.

A declaration that Filipinos in Franklin are ready to participate, collaborate, and help shape the future of our community.

We are grateful for the opportunity to use our voices and make our choices. We acknowledge the presence of our Board Members, Alan Cole and Clare Alder. And we look forward to deeper engagement, stronger representation, and continued partnership with the Franklin Local Board.

The Filipino community is here, present, engaged, and represented.

And this is WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO US.