Media Statement
For Immediate Release

2 September 2007

Bringing our People Together

Manukau is a city with great ethnic diversity. We have 165 different cultures in our city. I appreciate cultural difference and relish the chance to learn from the new languages and experiences of people coming to our city from all around the world.

I have found in all my years of being a citizen of this city and as a lawyer, that new migrants are overwhelmingly positive in outlook and have great hope for their new lives in our city. I see the positive energy, the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of new migrants as being a great force for change and growth for us all.

We are cosmopolitan and each culture enriches our own with its history and traditions. It will be my task as the leader of this city to bring our people together in the spirit of hospitality, compassion and peace. Our capacity for understanding and tolerance for our differences is crucial for our being able to live together in harmony and build strong and safe communities together.

Respect for the Tangata Whenua, the indigenous people of this land is the backdrop for those of us whose forbears built the towns and boroughs that make up the city. This forms the basis of our openness and willingness to welcome those who often arrive without English language skills and no local networks.

I have seen a crucial role played by the various religious faiths in the bringing together of our people across the city. The growing number of temples and places of prayer associated with the great world religions - Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and Islam operating alongside the Christian Churches is good to see. All of these faiths preach the basic principles of tolerance, love and peace amongst all people. For this reason these places of reflection and prayer need to be recognised as unifying forces within our growing communities.

As the new Mayor, I will be focusing on bringing peace, safety and prosperity for all our people. It is important that we harness the great potential of the common ground we share in the interests of all the people of our City.

ENDS

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