Kia ora,
Residents may have read of the passing of Janet Clews CNZM, QSO, JP on the 29 April. She was 92 years old, a remarkable woman who contributed so much to our community. Janet Clews played a very significant political and educational role in west Auckland.
Janet Clews served as a teacher in west Auckland and as a local body politician. She began her public life in 1963 as the first woman elected to the Glen Eden Borough Council. She was re-elected many times and served as Mayor of Glen Eden from 1983 to 1989. When the western boroughs of Glen Eden, Henderson and New Lynn were combined to form Waitākere City Janet served as a Waitākere City Councillor until the establishment of the super city of Auckland in 2010.
Janet Clews also served on many community organisations out west and was elected to the Portage Licensing Trust for nearly 40 years. She served our community for most of her adult life. A remarkable woman.
On 4 May, which just happened to be both my birthday and also that of current MP for Te Atatū, Phil Twyford, a group of Te Atatū residents organised a Pride event at Mr Illingsworth, the Trust Bar in Te Atatū Peninsula. It was a mix and mingle for local residents gay and straight. Both Phil and l attended.
Around 60 people came, and it had a very relaxed and positive vibe. Quite a contrast to the horrible homophobic scene in Te Atatū Peninsula in February when supporters of the Destiny Church assaulted the Te Atatū Community Centre and Library protesting the celebration of Pride. Well done, Brendon, Cole and Mark for organising this event. Your actions helped demonstrate to residents that all people who live in Te Atatū, regardless of race, gender or sexuality are valued members of our local community.
Ngā mihi,
Chris Carter
Chair, Henderson-Massey Local Board
