Think pink, think people

The following words are brought to you by the colour pink….

I’ve often said that people are at the heart of every decision we make.

People are the most important assets we have at Council and people are the most important assets our wonderful district has.

May is a month that shines a light on at least two important awareness campaigns that we as people, we as families, should be grateful for, and support.

Tomorrow (Friday 17 May) is Pink Shirt Day.

This special day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusiveness.

It’s about creating communities where all people feel safe, valued, and respected, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion or cultural backgrounds.

This is so important to me personally and here at Council it is important to our staff – it is ingrained to our workplace culture.

There are times when our staff and us, as elected members are on the wrong side of bullying – whether it be online, on the phone or face to face.

This is not ok! It is ok to disagree. It is ok to be disappointed. But those emotions or opinions need to be shown with respect, and not with the vitriol or personal attacks that are sometimes experienced.

So, we at Council will be donning our pink shirts tomorrow and I know that there will be many businesses and homes coming together to support this initiative.

And 23 May is Pink Ribbon Breakfast Day. There are community events held on, or close to, 23 May that raise vital money for breast cancer research, education, and patient support.

Again, this one is close to my heart. I started organising them in Port Waikato about 12 years ago and we had such great participation from the local community and beyond.

That baton has been passed on now, but I’ll be at a Tuakau event, Pink Ribbon breakfast on 19 May. It looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun, and I’ll be going to a number of other events over the following fortnight.

There are other events being held in the district including  Breakfast and Mini-Holistic Market at Ngaaruawaahia Bowling Club on the 25th (email pineapplefrooter@gmail.com for details) or there’s the Pink Ribbon High Tea at Sugar Plum Kitchen on the afternoon of the 25th (email donutmyster@hotmail.com).

Those are just a couple, I’m sure there are more. Get along to one.

My thanks to all involved with running these sorts of events. There’s always a lot of fundraising for raffles etc behind them so thanks to anyone who has donated goods or services for those.

These events are all about people, by the people for the people. They’re a sign of healthy communities, engaged communities, thriving communities.

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Ngaa mihi and warmest regards,

Mayor Jacqui