Hi Annacanadian,
Otahuhu is a very poor area, with terrible socio-economic status, which tends to invite in the sorts of people you probably won't want as neighbours
It's also still a fair commute into Auckland CBD from there as well. One of the only positives of the area is it's cultural vibrancy (if you deem that to be a positive thing) and its close proximity to many of Auckland's large industrial estates, meaning a short commute to work if you work in these areas. Unfortunately I can't think of many worse areas in Auckland to live than Otahuhu.