Media Release
Thursday 29 March 2007

Commonwealth visitors treated to local culture during visit to Manukau

A party of 50 delegates attending the Commonwealth Local Government Conference was treated to award-winning cultural performances when visiting Manukau yesterday, as part of a study tour to the city.

More than 600 people working in local government in Commonwealth countries are attending the conference this week at the Aotea Centre. They include Ministers of Local Government as well as mayors and officials. The conference programme includes study tours to the region’s cities.

On Wednesday, at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, the visiting dignitaries were given a formal welcome by Manukau City Council. Mayor Sir Barry Curtis greeted the party in a ceremony that included a stirring warrior challenge (whero) and a performance by the Te Whare Kura o Piripono, the culture group from the Piripono immersion school in Otara. Last week the group won top prize in the Maori section at the ASB Polyfest.

Later a Cook Islands culture group from Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara entertained the visitors with a stunning display of drumming, music and dance. They too are award-winners, having won their division at Polyfest.

Sir Barry says the delegates were delighted. “The two groups of young people gave wonderful performances and they’re a credit to their schools. We wanted to give our visitors a taste of Manukau and its diverse cultures, and we succeeded.”

The delegates were also given presentations about the city’s long-term plan, “Tomorrow’s Manukau - Manukau Apopo”, and the role played by the Pacific Islands Advisory Committee in the council’s decision making processes.

Sir Barry says the theme of the international conference is very relevant to Manukau. “The conference is looking at ways of how councils around the world can play a bigger and more pro-active role in moving their communities forward, and tackling social issues in areas such as health, safety and environmental protection.

“That is already part of our role here in Manukau, and is becoming the norm for councils around New Zealand, as they respond to new legislative requirements, and the wishes of the community.”

ENDS

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