Viewpoint – Refresh those minds … it’s summer

As we head into summer and venture around our region and beyond, stop and look around at everyone enjoying our public spaces, and admire our breathtaking natural areas. Soak up the atmosphere as we socialise with each other at the beach, talk to a stranger in line while waiting for an ice cream, watch our children play together on the playground or at an out-and-about event. Will any of us at that moment remember the politically motivated influences at play? Read on to find out some activities coming your way to help clear your mind of that.

Since being a local board member, I have seen the positive influence treaty responsibilities and related policies have on our governance decisions. My view is Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) is something to be treasured and protected as it uplifts the requirements for many aspects of governance.

This plays out in our council community and environmental commitments, which are provided for us all to use and enjoy. Read any report we are given to inform our decisions regarding investment in our community facilities, assets and services, and it will include an outline of how our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi are met by the investment, which will benefit Māori and the wider community. And benefit us all.

For example, when you visit your local beaches, think about why some are highly developed and some are not. Think about what provides that environmental protection or the restoration work being done in our region. Much of this is elevated in priority by objectives supported by treaty policy. This is not a ‘them and us’ situation, this is an ‘us in an ongoing agreement that benefits us all’ situation.

Having got that off my chest, and related to coming events, I want to introduce some activities going on in our area and in the rest of Rodney right now, during summer, and through to April. Part of our board objectives include making better use of public spaces and providing activities for youth, children, families and whanau. So, the Out and About team has received funding from us to deliver activities in Rodney, and not just in our most populated places, because we know that historically these kinds of activities have been a long car or bus ride away. Activities such as circus in the park, ako hoe waka, pop-up obstacle course, bubble soccer, Hungerball, stand-up paddleboarding, kite flying and more. Go to the Out and About website and facebook page to see what is coming your way.

Enjoy, and know that we as the board wish you a safe and most fun holiday and summer season.

For further details and information on the Out and About activities visit https://www.aucklandleisure.co.nz/out-about-auckland/ or facebook https://www.facebook.com/outandaboutakl/