Our children will lead

I was honoured to speak at the assembly of my old school De La Salle the other day. The school was feeling pretty chuffed with its awesome first fifteen having knocked over the third placed team St Pauls 36-0 in the rain and mud on the previous Saturday.

About 18 months ago, in the middle of the “South Auckland youth gangs” issue, and right after the Otahuhu murders, I wondered out loud to Brother Steve Hogan, Principal of De La Salle, if I might come and have a talk to the senior school. He told me the boys were feeling a bit raw. They felt that the way the issues were being reported meant that because they were from the Southside they were all part of youth gangs.

Be proud, have great lives

I had been waiting 18 months to talk to those young men. They were amazed that someone actually attended their school in 1970, which meant I was “old school”. I wanted them to know that even though we were and are strongly focused on resolving the gang issue in our community, that we are equally focused on the 99% who are not part of the problem.

I talked of my pride in my South Auckland upbringing, about the spirit of community that built our towns, our community and family values, and our pride of place. I reflected on the great people who have come from our community, the energy and opportunities that exist for all of them to become great in their lives, because of their experiences in the place they call home.

So, what can you do for young people?

How we provide alternatives to the “gangsta cool” and set our kids on the path to great lives? Today I met Eugenia, a 17 year old Howick College student. Her family originally came from Korea. She wanted to know what I had in mind for the youth of the city.

On her doorstep we talked about the importance of education, but also the need to value music, sport and artistic opportunities so as young people can develop healthy minds and bodies. She knew and liked Marika and Savage, and was pleased with the rebirth of Dawn Raid. She also was aware of the excellence of hip hop dance group DZIAH, and their present quest for success.

This discussion reminded me of how connected our young people are through music, art and sport across our city. Better connected at times than their parents. The youth of our city are our future parents and leaders. They are asking to have great lives. We need to focus on giving them the best academic, sporting, musical and artistic opportunities we can - for the sake of all our futures together.

A great man of Manukau

Over the recent months I have enjoyed receiving the advice and wisdom of Sir Lloyd Elsmore, the first mayor of Manukau City. Now into his 90’s, Sir Lloyd remains alert and astute in his assessment of civic life and his memory of the founding years of Manukau is formidable.

Sir Lloyd was Mayor for 15 years. He set this city on solid foundations and held the strong support of his Council. He has a very direct, forthright style a good sense of humour but probably did not suffer fools gladly.

I am therefore deeply honoured to have received his endorsement and support for this campaign. I am acutely aware of the history of this city, the energy and passion of its civic leaders and Sir Lloyd’s critical role in Manukau’s development.

In my own way, I will endeavour to walk on that same path, with the community’s endorsement in this election.

Len Brown,

Mayoral Candidate, Manukau City,2007.

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