It’s decision time When launching this campaign in August 2006, 13 October 2007 looked a long way away. We are now on the eve of this election decision and filled with hope that the winds of change in this city will blow me across the line at the head of the fleet

It’s not just about me

I have had a brilliant team of people driving this campaign for me. We have all known each other for many years, and I trust their judgment and honesty. They have been wonderfully loyal to me over these last 4 years.

Many people have supported this campaign across the city. However there is a small group who formed the core of our campaign organisation. To them I am particularly appreciative: Olivia James, Tony Spelman, Su’a William Sio, Mike Joseph and Andrew Beyer. I have received outstanding support also from Roma Russell, the late Joe Doherty, Matt Woodward, Alex Mulder, Bill Marshall, Murray Storey and Ilango Krishnamoorthy.

We have operated our campaign office in East Tamaki for the last 3 ½ months. There has been outstanding support from Lisa Chen who volunteered and opened the office with me, and Marianne Puno, who arrived on our doorstep with a smile and time to help.

Over the last year we have had a huge team of supporters who have all given generously of their time and to them all I am extremely grateful. This team has been representative of all the ethnic cultures and the different wards of our city. They have introduced me into places I have never been before, and have opened my eyes to our ethnic, religious and cultural diversity in a most gracious and wonderful manner.

So, who is your target market?

During the last campaign I was asked by a marketing friend who my political target market was. I didn’t have a reply because I was targeting everyone! That has been a core principle of my campaign. I have sought support from the whole city and door knocked each suburb equally, meeting and talking with people from all parts of the city. To be the Mayor of our city, you have to have the confidence and support from all, not just Howick or Mangere, not just Pakeha or Chinese.

The effectiveness of this ‘whole of city’ campaign became evident the other day when my sister reported a conversation with a work mate. He informed her that he would not support me “because Len Brown supports only Howick and Otara!” If there were two communities that span the economic and social divide in Manukau it is these two. I took his criticism as the ultimate compliment.

A great journey

I want to finally thank all the thousands of people across the city who have shown me such wonderful hospitality over the last 4 years. Through their sharing of their life stories in their homes and on the doorstep, I have felt honored and humbled to have been part of it all. My shoes will never be the same again!

And now it is time for change

Manukau is ready for new leadership and direction. People have told me that their appetite for change and desire for fresh energy is high. We have campaigned without personal attacks or rancour. We have been totally focused on the future of our city as we see it. One of my primary tasks as Mayor, should I be successful, would be to galvanise the great spirit of our people and enable a way forward for everyone.

Tomorrow will reveal all!

I would like to invite you to join with my family and supporters at the Flatbush School Hall, cr Flatbush School Road and Murphy’s Road East Tamaki on Saturday 13 October from 12 noon onwards. We look forward to seeing you there.

My best regards you all.

Len Brown,

Mayoral Candidate, Manukau City,2007.

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