One Mahurangi – Collective efforts

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, our community has reason to celebrate – not only for the festive spirit of Christmas, but also for a significant resolution regarding Hill Street, a longstanding concern that has been on our radar for years.

The catalyst for progress has been the establishment of the One Mahurangi Transport Forum, a collaborative effort chaired by One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott and local MP Chris Penk. Bringing together representatives from Auckland Transport (AT), Waka Kotahi, Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council, and various community groups, the forum has become a crucial platform for constructive dialogue and problem-solving.

Contrary to what one might expect from a gathering involving elected officials and community representatives, the purpose of the forum is not to corner our elected leaders, but to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at finding solutions. It shows that when people talk openly and work together toward the same goal, progress is made.

The journey toward a resolution began 18 months ago when AT invited us to meet with its Hill Street design team. Representing the community in these discussions were Dave Stott, a civil engineer; Roger Williams, a roading engineer; and myself. At the outset, our perspectives and what the design team proposed seemed worlds apart. The initial meetings were characterised by differences, occasionally leading to acrimonious exchanges. Yet, we persisted, determined to find a compromise that would work for everyone.

The process was, without a doubt, a negotiation – one that required both parties to make concessions.

The result, a design that doesn’t fulfil every wish on either side but stands as a testament to the power of negotiation and compromise. In the end, the collective efforts of the community, represented by our team, and the professionals at AT produced a plan that we are quietly satisfied with, acknowledging the reality that not every stakeholder can be completely pleased.

On a lighter note, by the time you read this, the Warkworth Santa Parade will have taken place. Sponsored this year by Warkworth Toyota and Harcourt Coopers & Co, the parade has been a community highlight, featuring over 30 registered floats. The generosity of local businesses providing spot prizes and the enthusiastic participation of volunteers have made it a cherished event. Special thanks go to the Santa Parade committee including Claire and Tania, who, alongside me, worked tirelessly to organise this joyful celebration.

As the year concludes, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the wellbeing of our community. This includes local businesses, individuals who have taken the time to engage with me and, of course, the dedicated team at the Information Centre, led by Alison and her volunteers, and the OMBA operations team Lauren and Claire, who make my responsibilities more manageable. A special acknowledgment goes to the One Mahurangi committee, with gratitude directed towards co-chairs Dave Stott and Bevan Morrison, and our family of generous sponsors, whose ongoing support enables us to undertake initiatives that benefit our business community.

In wrapping up this year, I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We are Stronger Together and we look forward to working with you again in 2024 in our common goal of a vibrant and strong business community in Mahurangi.