Newsletter from the Office of the Mayor of Manukau

At the end of this year, I have some abiding memories of the love of my family and community in the midst of an extraordinary winter, and the energy, enthusiasm and fun on the faces of the children I meet daily around our city.

The one word that sums up this year for me is Hope. The hope these young children have when they talk to me about their dreams and the next exciting project they are moving on to. The hope I have for them and our young city, and the extraordinary potential in the people of the place we call Manukau.

To all in our community, on behalf of Shan and our children Samantha, Olivia and Victoria, we give you our love and best wishes for a Christmas of family unity and joy and a new year of hope, aspiration and personal growth.

To you all I leave a Christmas prayer;

Loving God

Bless our city and our people

Give us hope of many great tomorrows

The courage to stand up for what we believe in

Inspire us so that we never lose the desire to reach for our dreams

Grant us the spirit of caring in our neighbourhoods

The determination to confront those who imperil the innocence of our young people with the attraction of drugs

Help us to respect and preserve the planet with the intensity, passion and concern for the environment expressed by our children

Grant our leaders wisdom in their decision-making

In this free land, let our city be a beacon of peace and harmony

In God's name we pray

Amen

Len Brown

Mayor of Manukau

ENDS

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