Viewpoint – A big thank you

I know we say it every year, but it does still seem hard to believe that once again Christmas is nearly upon us. As 2021 draws to an end, I’d like acknowledge that most people caught up in the Great Auckland Lockdown have been doing it tough and readers of Mahurangi Matters will be no exception.

Having been contacted by many of you these past three months, I’m aware how high the toll can be. This is especially the case for those in our community already living in precarious circumstances, whether for financial or social reasons. It’s concerning to hear of division caused by policies that separate along lines of vaccination status, the Auckland/Northland border and even ethnicity.

As ever, we should reflect with gratitude on the contribution made by everyone who has worked hard to keep us going this year. Of course, I include those on the frontlines of health care and providing food and other essential items, but also those making a difference in ways that may be less obvious. Thank you so much to you all.

Hopefully, the newly instituted “traffic light” system for Covid-19 management will operate in a way that minimises unnecessary restrictions to your freedoms. Please be patient and understanding with each other in this stressful time.

Changing tack, one of the highlights of the year for me has been meeting many locals for the first time following last year’s election, in which you collectively gave me the honour of representing you in Parliament.

In particular, I’ve enjoyed the chance to advocate for better transport options and we’ve made some progress together. It’s been a year in which the Matakana link road project has advanced, so I’d like to acknowledge the agencies carrying out that work, along with community partners such as the One Mahurangi Transport Forum and local government representatives.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who makes the Mahurangi Matters publication possible. In many parts of New Zealand there is no equivalent local news, so I sometimes wonder if we realise just how lucky we are.

To everyone reading this column – however good, bad or ugly the past 12 months has been for you – I hope you have a restful summer break coming at some stage soon. Goodness knows what 2022 has in store for us all. I’m hoping that it will be an exciting time as we break free from the shackles of the past couple of years.
For now, though: take care, stay safe and Merry Christmas.