I would like to offer my best wishes to the Indian community as you celebrate the Festival of Lights with your family and friends.
This is a joyous occasion and an opportunity for all New Zealanders to come together and enjoy the richness and diversity of our communities.
It is also a chance to thank all members of the Indian community for their cultural, social and economic contributions to our country.
We know that lately, many of our workers, businesses and communities have been suffering. There have been widespread job losses across the country; wages are stagnating and businesses are feeling the pinch and people are losing hope.
People feel that we should have turned the corner by now but are disappointed that they just cannot get ahead.
It is important that we pull together and work through these tough times.
Labour will stand with you and fight for a better future for all New Zealanders.
We stand for decent jobs, higher incomes and opportunities for everyone.
Joy of sharing
We will support Kiwis by creating a new economy that leads to a high wage, skilled future, one that is about a confident, proud New Zealand.
Diwali is about being proud of and sharing our culture and traditions.
It is about coming together. It is about the triumph of good over evil and an opportunity to show compassion towards each other and to share a moment of peace in the midst of our busy lives.
I would like to thank you all for your support and the contribution you make to the well-being of our nation.
I hope that you would enjoy the many festival events that will be held throughout the country to celebrate Diwali 2012.
David Shearer is the leader of the Labour Party
