Letter to the Editor

A list of Christmas Wishes.

I would like to wish the people of our city a peaceful Christmas and relaxing break over the summer holidays.Like most family's within our community the pressure of finishing the working year, attending the kids school prizegivings and battling the shopping crowds can make this the least peaceful of all times in our family calendar.

But it is at this time in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ,that we can reflect on the year that has been and the hopes for the year ahead.I have some Christmas wishes for our city ,reflective of a desire and hope for a better life for us all.

That we rise to the challenge of those of our young people addicted to drugs, attracted to the gangs, at war with their family's.I have hope that the work of the committed and passionate, in the community and in the Police, will reshape their wasting lives.That they instead seek the positive potential within each one of them, as do so many thousands of our talented young people.

That we reach out and help the family's in our midst, struggling with the pressure of financial dependence and the challenge of raising children with a belief and hope in their destiny. I have hope that the caring and active spirit of South Auckland can assist in bringing these family's well being and purpose.

That we follow the lead of our young children,who in their friends recognise not colour, wealth, ethnicity nor religion. They recognise their friends for the positive human traits of humour , love, care and compassion. I have hope that in our city of so many cultures, we can harness the energy of our many peoples, enjoy and learn from our differences,and focus on our humanity and what brings us together, as our children do.

That we acknowledge, each of us, that unless we all make a commitment to our pride in place, to improving our own little back yard, we will always struggle under the yoke of others assessment of us. I have hope that we will recognise the great assets and beauty of our place and people,and act in unity to realise our destiny in leading this country into its future. Our pride of place, at the forefront of the cultural,economic and social transformation of New Zealand.

In this season of faith, hope and thanks- giving, a merry Christmas to you all.

Len Brown, - Manukau City Mayoral Candidate.

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