Former Waitakere City Council Chief Executive Vijaya Vaidyanath had expressed the hope that the creation of a Super City would not mean loss of ‘individual flavour.
“The Super City is not about having one monoculture being imposed on us but about each one of us contributing to make the City bright and vibrant, recognising the uniqueness of each culture,” she had said, speaking at the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) in May 2010.
Fears of being ignored prompted WIA Immediate Past President Manoj Tahal to appeal to the politicians to include ethnic communities and the Tangata Whanau in the Super City. “Without the people and communities, you will not have much of a City, let alone a Super City,” he had said.
It was therefore a proud moment for WIA and Mr Tahal when the Auckland Council signed a Sponsorship Agreement with WIA to host Waitakere Diwali 2011.
President Anand Naidu and Mr Tahal (Project Manager for Diwali 2011) were present at the signing ceremony with Henderson-Massy Local Board Chair Vanessa Neeson.
“It is nice and reassuring that Auckland Council has recognised that good people make great communities and great communities make super cities,” Mr Tahal said.
Ms Neeson said West Auckland was unique with heavy community involvement in Waitakere where different cultures had shown their unique characteristics coming together to celebrate their respective festivals.
“I am delighted that Auckland Council has recognised how important the Diwali Festival is in the West. They have decided to assist with funding this great initiative of the Indian community,” she said.
She was confident that Auckland Council and Local Boards would endeavour to support memorable and hugely successful events like Diwali that reflected the diversity of New Zealand.
Waitakere Diwali will be held during the Rugby World Cup season to showcase different colours of Aotearoa on Sunday September 25, 2011 at Trusts Stadium, Henderson from 11 am to 11 pm, culminating in a huge fireworks display.
