SEASON’S GREETINGS 2009

HOLIDAY SEASON’S GREETINGS 2009 

Another year is coming to an end. The holiday season is a time for celebration, for reflection, and for helping those who are poor and vulnerable.

Christmas is filled with traditions and symbols for our Christian brethren, which reminds us of the need to care for the less fortunate. This time is a symbol of kindness, of humility and of charity.

Today’s New Zealand duly reflects our society and it shows that we are a multicultural society. It is a powerful riposte to those who seek to promote discord between different sections of the community.

The highest value of all the major faiths is peace, and there is no reason why people from all backgrounds cannot live in harmony.

There is a need for tolerance and understanding between cultural and religious groups in New Zealand's diverse society. Diversity is strength not a threat. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. Tolerance and fair play are our strong New Zealand values.  

I acknowledge that there are many challenges still needed to be overcome, and that discrimination still existed. At the same time I certainly recognise that much has been achieved in my lifetime in New Zealand. And there is every reason to be hopeful about the future.

I urge everyone to join me in highlighting the importance of greater understanding and integration between different cultural and religious groups. Immigrants' values are compatible with a very diverse range of cultures - but they may all have to adapt a little to allow those underlying New Zealand values to be sustained.  
 
 

As the holiday season and another year approach, let us take time to consider what is really important – family and friends. We tend to hold our families a little closer, realizing that what we take for granted can change in an instant. We need to remember our friends who have endured great sacrifices or those who have suffered great loss in Asia and the Pacific region.

Thanks for the love and support everyone has given me over my seven years in Parliament and I look forward to continuing to develop these relationships.  During this festive season please drive carefully and have great holidays as we look forward to a very prosperous New Year 2010. 

Dr Ashraf Choudhary QSO

Labour Member of Parliament

Spokesperson for Food Safety, Agricultural Sciences and Assoc. Spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs

Alamgir Afridi
Ethnic Coordinator / Issues Assistant 
Dr. Ashraf Choudhary QSO
Member of Parliament                        
Ph:              (09) 265 0983
Mobile:        027 511 0346
Fax:             (09) 265 0984
Email           alamgir.afridi@parliament.govt.nz