Len Brown, Mayor of Manukau City, addressed an audience of more than 500 last night in a brand new building just completed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He said that he grew up in the area and had been familiar with the site since his youth. He expressed gratitude that the Church had, at the entrance to Manukau, built a beautiful building that is “a shining light upon the hill.”
Noting that the Church is world renowned for its music and singing, Mayor Brown concluded his comments by singing ‘How Great Thou Art’ in Maori. The choir and congregation joined him impromptu, providing a touching conclusion to his address.
The choir for the meeting comprised local Latter-day Saints and others from across New Zealand and Australia who returned to Manukau for the event. Mayor Brown said the choir was “exceptional.”
Other dignitaries who attended the special dedicatory service included Members of Parliament George Hawkins, Ross Robertson, Su’a William Sio, Dr Ashraf Choudhary, and Sam Lotu-liga. Manukau City Deputy Mayor Gary Troup, Manukau City Council Members Maggie Burrill and Alf Filipaina, and Tangaroa School Principal Ngaire Ashmore also attended. Representatives from other faith traditions included Pastor Eddie Tupai and Pastor Ben Timothy of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and members of the Sikh community.
In a reception prior to the meeting, Mayor Brown chatted with three young Latter-day Saints: John McKay, Blake G. Wong, and Bernadette Sanita Smith. He called them “future leaders,” and later commented on the strong leadership the Church gives to young people and the values that are reflected in their modesty and pride in their faith.
