Letter to Manukau Issue 18: Tragic Deaths

On Wednesday morning I sat in the front row of a school assembly at Elim Christian College.

The school, our community and our country had been hit a tragedy beyond our imagination.

The loss of seven lives in the central North Island is a tragedy unique in our city’s history.

I spent the day at the school doing my best to comfort and support those present.

The board of trustees, staff and hundreds of people from the community gave support and love to the devastated families and students.

There will be time over the next few days and weeks to reflect more meaningfully on the terrible losses of so many fabulous young people.

But for now I want to express my admiration and gratitude for the work done by principal Murray Burton and the board of trustees as well as Pastor Luke Brough and his team at Elim Christian Centre.

Under the most desperately difficult circumstances they rallied the school and community to extend heartfelt love and support, especially to the families who lost children and the family of Mr McClean, the teacher who died.

Out of respect for the children of the school and in support of them, as they work through their grief, I conclude my letter at this point.

ENDS

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