Media Release
11 July 2008

Manurewa meeting addresses social and community safety issues

More than 100 community and government representatives attended a meeting in Manurewa with a view to move forward on social and community safety issues affecting the Manurewa community.

The meeting held at the Manurewa library and jointly facilitated by the Ministry of Social Development and the Manukau City Council saw discussions focused on priorities and possible actions that could strengthen and support the Manurewa community.

Ministers Ruth Dyson (Social Development and Employment), Annette King (Police), Nanaia Mahuta (Youth Affairs), Maryan Street (Housing) and Darren Hughes (Associate – Social Development) attended the meeting alongside MPs, councillors, community board members, government agency officials and a wide representation from the Manurewa community.

Acting Manukau Mayor Gary Troup, who attended the meeting, says there is a real commitment to hear and address community concerns in the wake of recent tragedies.

“It was heartening to see so many people there. We need to harness that energy for the good of Manurewa.”

“Communities working together with police, government departments, councils and agencies – this is the only way forward,” Mr Troup says.

“This meeting is the start of an ongoing process which I hope will produce robust solutions going into the future.”

Minister Ruth Dyson says, there are a large number of agencies and community organisations working hard to make a positive difference in Manurewa. “What we need to look at is how these services coordinate and work together effectively”.

The Manurewa community board put forward a concept based around a suggested community safety centre with wide reach into the community. The board’s vision is that this will complement existing services and programmes.

Local and central government have already identified 10 key actions that deal with some of the short term issues. These actions are to be developed further based on the discussions and feedback from community

ENDS

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