25 June 2014

James Papali’i
Mana Movement candidate for Mangere

Mana candidate calls for Peace Festival to bring Mangere community together

Mana Movement Mangere candidate and local Social Worker James Papali’i is calling for a peace festival in Mangere to bring the community together after the recent school stabbings in the area.

“A few years back we had a spate of murders in Mangere which rocked the community. I organized a peace festival then in the Mangere Town Centre to bring everyone together in celebrating the marvelous things about our community.”

We had bands, singers, Harley rides and plenty of great food and a whole lot more. Our community leaders from all political parties put aside differences to came together

“The effect last time was hugely positive so I’m keen to do the same thing again and will be in touch with community groups and community leaders in the next few days to seek their support.”

“Mangere is magic when we come together like this.”

“As the father of a student based at the school where one of the incidents took place it’s clear to me this is a time when support for whanau with children involved, both victims and offenders, needs to come first. However a peace festival to follow would be fantastic.”

“Community and family stresses are increasing in Mangere as a result of cheap booze on every corner, along with pokie machines, loan sharks and illegal highs.”

The community came together last weekend to oppose the 107th proposed new liquor outlet for Mangere/Otahuhu. We can come together again to heal the wounds, celebrate the good things in Mangere and plan a positive way forward.

James Papali’i
Mana Movement candidate for Mangere
Long time Social Worker Mangere Community:
Works for Manukau Urban Maori Authority

ENDS

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