Super City takes Waitakere Diwali on board
“Without the people and communities, you will not have much of a city, let alone a super city.” This was the caution, and in fact a concern that the Immediate Past President of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), Manoj Tahal expressed before the formation of and amalgamation of smaller cities into a super city. In the last Holi celebrations, Tahal made a special plea on behalf of WIA to the politicians for the inclusion of the communities and the Tangata Whenua in the super city.
It therefore was a proud moment for Waitakere Indian Association when this plea was upheld by Auckland Council which built up on structures and community events that were in place with local councils before the amalgamation. Former Waitakere City Council had been exemplary in setting up a successful trend of community-local government partnership, and this has been taken on board by the new council.
In July this year, Auckland Council signed a Sponsorship Agreement with Waitakere Indian Association to host 2011 Waitakere Diwali at the Trusts Stadium during the Rugby World Cup. While Waitakere Indian Association was represented by its President Anand Naidu and Diwali 2011 Project Manager Manoj Tahal, Auckland Council, was represented by Vanessa Neeson, Chairwoman of Henderson-Massy Local Board.
“It is nice and reassuring to know that Auckland Council has recognised that good people make great communities and great communities make super cities,” Tmanoj Tahal said, adding that this year’s Diwali event theme was community health and well-being where services of health professionals, police, fire department, ACC and injury prevention groups and Watersafe will be engaged.
It appears there was something special about being a Westie – people from West Auckland or Waitakere. Neeson, herself a ‘Westie’, added that West Auckland was unique with heavy community involvement in Waitakere where different cultures have shown unique character in coming together to celebrate their respective festivals. She was very pleased with such a gesture from Auckland Council. “I am delighted that Auckland Council has recognised how important this festival is out in the West. They have decided to assist with funding-this is a great community initiative for the Indian community and show how they celebrate in bringing all communities to come together in achieving unity in diversity and well being among the local community” she said.
Neeson was confident that Auckland Council and Local Boards will endeavour to support memorable and hugely successful event like Diwali that reflected the diversity of New Zealand and gives the reason to the Super City why community based events should not only be encouraged, but emulated in other parts of Auckland.
Waitakere Diwali will be held in the midst of Rugby World Cup to showcase different colours of Aotearoa on Sunday 25 September, 2011 at Trusts Stadium, Henderson from 11 am to 11pm, culminating in a huge fireworks display.
Entry to all events is free and all are invited to attend to add colour to the atmosphere of 2011 Rugby World Cup while celebrating Diwali. Other details are available on WIA web site at : www.wia.net.nz
“Without the people and communities, you will not have much of a city, let alone a super city.” This was the caution, and in fact a concern that the Immediate Past President of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), Manoj Tahal expressed before the formation of and amalgamation of smaller cities into...
“Without the people and communities, you will not have much of a city, let alone a super city.” This was the caution, and in fact a concern that the Immediate Past President of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), Manoj Tahal expressed before the formation of and amalgamation of smaller cities into a super city. In the last Holi celebrations, Tahal made a special plea on behalf of WIA to the politicians for the inclusion of the communities and the Tangata Whenua in the super city.
It therefore was a proud moment for Waitakere Indian Association when this plea was upheld by Auckland Council which built up on structures and community events that were in place with local councils before the amalgamation. Former Waitakere City Council had been exemplary in setting up a successful trend of community-local government partnership, and this has been taken on board by the new council.
In July this year, Auckland Council signed a Sponsorship Agreement with Waitakere Indian Association to host 2011 Waitakere Diwali at the Trusts Stadium during the Rugby World Cup. While Waitakere Indian Association was represented by its President Anand Naidu and Diwali 2011 Project Manager Manoj Tahal, Auckland Council, was represented by Vanessa Neeson, Chairwoman of Henderson-Massy Local Board.
“It is nice and reassuring to know that Auckland Council has recognised that good people make great communities and great communities make super cities,” Tmanoj Tahal said, adding that this year’s Diwali event theme was community health and well-being where services of health professionals, police, fire department, ACC and injury prevention groups and Watersafe will be engaged.
It appears there was something special about being a Westie – people from West Auckland or Waitakere. Neeson, herself a ‘Westie’, added that West Auckland was unique with heavy community involvement in Waitakere where different cultures have shown unique character in coming together to celebrate their respective festivals. She was very pleased with such a gesture from Auckland Council. “I am delighted that Auckland Council has recognised how important this festival is out in the West. They have decided to assist with funding-this is a great community initiative for the Indian community and show how they celebrate in bringing all communities to come together in achieving unity in diversity and well being among the local community” she said.
Neeson was confident that Auckland Council and Local Boards will endeavour to support memorable and hugely successful event like Diwali that reflected the diversity of New Zealand and gives the reason to the Super City why community based events should not only be encouraged, but emulated in other parts of Auckland.
Waitakere Diwali will be held in the midst of Rugby World Cup to showcase different colours of Aotearoa on Sunday 25 September, 2011 at Trusts Stadium, Henderson from 11 am to 11pm, culminating in a huge fireworks display.
Entry to all events is free and all are invited to attend to add colour to the atmosphere of 2011 Rugby World Cup while celebrating Diwali. Other details are available on WIA web site at : www.wia.net.nz
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