| In Action | 2019 2022 |
2022 2025 |
New Funding |
| Glenn Murphy¹ | $1k | $79k | $78k |
| Brian Blake² | $24k | $93k | $69k |
| Phyllis Latu³ | — | $35k | $35k |
| Total | $25k | $208k | $183k |
| In Action | 2019-2022 | 2022-2025 | New Funding |
| Glenn Murphy¹ | $1,212 | $79,628 | $78,415 |
| Brian Blake² | $24,149 | $93,764 | $69,614 |
| Phyllis Latu³ | — | $35,274 | $35,274 |
| Total | $25,361 | $208,666 | $183,303 |
Recent analysis shows multiple connections between trustees of the Wiri Licensing Trust and grant recipients affiliated with the Manurewa Action Team, raising questions of transparency, governance, and the use of public funds.
Four trustees on the Wiri Licensing Trust — Brian Blake (Chair), Daniel Newman (Deputy Chair), Rangi McLean, and Glenn Murphy — are all confirmed members of the Manurewa Action Team.
These trustees sit on a body that informs and recommends funding decisions to the Trillian Trust, which distributes millions in pokie funds annually across South Auckland.
1 Glenn Murphy Trustee, Manukau New Life Community Trust
2 Brian Blake CEO, Manurewa Community Facilities Charitable Trust
3 Phyllis Latu Director, Maranga Fanau Ltd
Political Funding Under the Guise of Community Good?
There is growing concern that organisations led by political candidates are receiving public funds, enabling them to carry out high-visibility community work in election years—effectively funding political campaigns under the guise of charitable service.
Raewyn Bhana, another candidate in Action, had her funding applications declined due to non-compliance, illustrating how Action continues to push for funding even when applications aren’t up to standard.
School Camps Funding Cut
In a sharp policy shift, the Wiri Licensing Trust — under current leadership — has ceased its longstanding support of school camps, preferring to see it as central government responsibility or some such.
For decades, this funding helped children from low-income families in Manurewa access outdoor education and personal development experiences.
The decision has prompted criticism from educators and parents, many of whom say the change disproportionately affects those already facing barriers to participation.
Calls for Transparency
As the Wiri Licensing Trust plays a central role in distributing pokie profits into the community, there is growing demand for a full review of funding processes, trustee influence, and the blurred lines between community service and political campaigning.
Appendix: Detailed Grant Records
Manukau New Life Community Trust
Glenn Murphy: Trustee (effective 30/11/2011)*
Registration number: CC48598
| Date | Application | Approved | Notes |
| 24/03/2021 | $1,212.50 | $1,212.50 | Full |
| 23/01/2023 | $4,700.00 | $4,700.00 | Full |
| 27/09/2023 | $34,000.00 | $28,070.00 | Partial DR3 |
| 22/11/2023 | $5,000.00 | $5,000.00 | Full |
| 27/03/2024 | $1,954.80 | $1,954.80 | Full |
| 23/10/2024 | $40,274.52 | $39,903.52 | Partial DR3, DR8 |
| Total Granted | $80,840.32 |
* Glenn Murphy stood down from Manukau New Life Community Trust (MNLCNT) on 1 May 2025 after Code of Conduct complaints made against him were upheld for failing to declare his conflict of interest when making funding decisions on the Manurewa Local Board in favour of MNLCT.
Manurewa Community Facilities Charitable Trust
Brian Blake: CEO (effective 01/08/2017)
Registration number: CC44107
| Date | Application | Approved | Notes |
| 25/11/2020 | $27,772.00 | $24,149.57 | Full |
| 23/01/2023 | $15,600.00 | $15,600.00 | Full |
| 25/07/2023 | $11,531.25 | $11,531.25 | Full |
| 20/12/2023 | $11,250.00 | $10,384.00 | Partial DR3 |
| 27/03/2024 | $11,250.00 | $11,249.00 | Partial DR3 |
| 24/06/2024 | $11,250.00 | $11,250.00 | Full (DR13) |
| 25/09/2024 | $11,250.00 | $11,250.00 | Full |
| 24/12/2024 | $11,250.00 | $11,250.00 | Full |
| 25/06/2025 | $11,250.00 | $11,250.00 | Full |
| Total Granted | $117,913.75 |
Maranga Fanau Limited
Phylis Latu: Director (Action Candidate)
Company number: 8946769
| Date | Application | Approved | Notes |
| 25/09/2024 | $58,140.42 | $35,274.00 | Partial DR3, DR8 |
| Total Granted | $35,274.00 |
Applications Declined: BDO Marketing Ltd
Raewyn Bhana: Director (Action Candidate)
Company number: 1917860
| Date | Application | Status | Notes |
| 24/06/2024 | $37,466.77 | Declined | Non-compliant |
| 29/07/2024 | $51,072.00 | Declined | Non-compliant |
| Total Declined | $88,538.77 |
* George Ngatai is also a director. Registered Office 25 Druces Road.
To ensure transparency of funding, the quality management of Trust Assets and the continuation of valued partnerships vote #LoveManurewa.