t our first board meeting just days after the horrific events that have changed our country for ever, I led us in a minute’s silence and gave the following acknowledgment.
We commit to promoting tolerance, empathy and mutual understanding for people of all ethnicities and religious beliefs. We value the diversity of Waitemata and wish for all people to feel safe and welcomed. The board's Ellen Melville Centre is one of the Auckland Council community centres with a condolence book to give Aucklanders the opportunity to express their messages of support for the victims, their families and their community.”
Elected members have joined the many thousands paying their respects at the vigils and events held in response including at the Al-Masjid Al-Jamie Mosque in Ponsonby where an amazing sea of flowers has been laid by locals. We will join together for the broadcast of the National Remembrance Service planned for Friday 29 March in Christchurch.
In speaking at the vigil in Aotea Square on 16 March, a defiant and passionate Mayor, Phil Goff, spoke about his determination more than ever to give nothing to racism, and to ensure the world knows that Auckland and New Zealand is wonderfully diverse, where people of all ethnicities and faiths are welcome. The local board joins with the Mayor in taking a strong stand prohibiting speakers wishing to use our community venues to incite intolerance and hate. In addition, we support Auckland as
a city of peace and have prohibited the promotion, marketing and sales of weapons of war in our
council facilities.
Through the sadness we also come together to celebrate the best of our community and strengthen neighbourhood connections that make us more resilient. Last month (31 March), the Grey Lynn Community Centre is hosting the Jam on Toast Festival. This annual event showcases some of the diverse and amazing classes run in and around our community. Throughout the day there will be fantastic entertainment, live art and graffiti demonstrations, street food and refreshments and something for the whole family. Visit Grey Lynn Community Centre’s Facebook page to find out more.
Our local board also immensely values community-led work and our Good Citizens’ Awards is one of the ways we celebrate and give recognition to those who make Waitemata a great place to live. We are seeking nominations for individuals or community-led organisations working within the Waitemata Local Board area until 14 April. (PIPPA COOM)
Find out more and make your nomination at our website:
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemata