Media release
25 July 2006
For immediate release
Community Seeks New Way Forward
Mangere community leaders and organisations meet today at Nga Tapuwae Community Centre driven by a shared belief that
there must a better way forward for the local community, in the wake of the recent tragedy surrounding the Kahui twins.
The hui is a demonstration of a shared commitment to work towards a ‘whole of community’ approach to the future,
encompassing community, local and central government, and other committed parties in the local area.
Hui convenor and facilitator, Sharon Wilson, CEO of Tamaki ki Raro Trust, sees the event as an opportunity to harness
the collective wisdom and experience of many dedicated people and community organisations, both within the Mangere
community and amongst the broader backdrop of Manukau City, to consider a new way forward for the community.
“Many people have devoted their lives to making a positive difference out there in our community,” said Wilson. “They
have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the issues we face and the current roadblocks that exist.
“Today, the collective voices of our community will have an opportunity to express their views and contribute ideas to a
new way forward, that will address the challenges we face at a grass roots levels in real, practical ways.
Wilson says the opportunity to engage with individuals and key central and local government representatives provides a
platform for future collaboration between all interested parties. This holistic approach, and one that is grounded in
the local community, she believes is a key to success for future action.
The hui aims to establish new ways of doing things based on a two-pronged approach that addresses the immediate short
term need for a safety net – protection in the here and now – as well as long term solutions aimed at focussing future
investment in the local community.
The event will open with an address from Manukau City Mayor, Sir Barry Curtis. The Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Youth
Affairs and the Hon Parekura Horomia, Minister of Maori Affairs will be attending the hui, along with elected local
representative, Dr Pita Sharples, MP for Tamaki Makaurau.
“People in the Mangere community recognise that communities do not become strong because they are rich; they become rich
because they are strong. This event is about capacity building, creating the strength and robustness within our local
community to achieve a shared vision of a solid, self-sufficient and resilient community for now and in the future,”
said Wilson.
ENDS