Letter to Manukau
Friday 28 March 2008

It's Busy Being Mayor

In my life as a politician and working in the community, I have always made myself as available to people as possible.

It's one of the main reasons people have supported me.

But, as mayor, my diary has rapidly filled up thanks to the many ways people can communicate with me.

That's by phone, email, fax, text and at my mayoral meetings!

I'm quickly learning the importance of very stringent time management and of being able to say no.

This means I can balance competing demands on me.

Being accessible has to be balanced against having time to think through the variety and depth of issues that come into my office every day.

I also have to ensure I have time for my young family.

I'll keep you advised as to progress in this regard.

RACE RELATIONS DAY

This week Race Relations Day was a lovely occasion for me.

A local kaumatua and members of the many communities in our multi-racial city welcomed me at the Howick Information Centre court.

It was a colourful, enjoyable occasion, hosted by the Howick and Pakuranga community boards.

It was great to see students from Edgewater College and Pakuranga College supporting the event and entertaining.

Celebrations like these are the life and soul of our community.

They provide us all with the opportunity of enjoying each others company, celebrating our cultures and having fun together with song.

Building a harmonious society in our city is dependant on how well we mix with each other and enjoy such occasions.

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RISING STAR

On Thursday, I was interviewed by young Monique - a budding broadcaster from Randwick Park School.

The school has a live radio broadcast and they decided to interview me on my experience as mayor over the last five months.

It was an extremely perceptive and entertaining interview.

Afterwards, the school burst into spontaneous applause over the airwaves.

I love the interaction with the school children of our community. They show real candour and inquisitiveness.

I congratulate the radio team at Randwick Park Primary.

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COUNCIL COLLEAGUES

Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the continued support of our Manukau city councillors.

I go to many functions throughout the city and am often supported at these by councillors as well as community board chairs and members.

On my recent visit to Turangawaewae, councillors Anne Candy, Alf Filipaina and Hugh Graham attended at very short notice.

I deeply appreciate the support of my colleagues around the council chamber.

That also goes for those doing great work on our community boards.

Len Brown
Mayor of Manukau

ENDS

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