Fauono Ken Laban elected as New Zealand's first Pasifika mayor

Sunday 12 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sun 12 Oct 2025, 2:31pm

In this story Hutt City Council, Karen Morgan, Brady Dyer

Fauono Ken Laban has been elected Mayor of Lower Hutt following the 2025 local elections. He secured 8,704 votes, making him the first Pasifika person to hold a mayoralty in Aotearoa New Zealand. The former broadcaster and councillor won the race ahead of several other candidates.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZSun 12 Oct 2025, 8:50am

   Ken Laban makes history as Pasifika candidates win across Aotearoa (opens in new tab)

2. StuffSun 12 Oct 2025, 9:43am

   Ken Laban makes history as first Pasifika mayor (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldSun 12 Oct 2025, 1:59pm

   Ken Laban makes history as first Pasifika mayor of Lower Hutt (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsSun 12 Oct 2025, 2:31pm

   Ken Laban makes history as NZ's first Pasifika mayor (opens in new tab)