Viewpoint – Backbone of the community

Recently, we learned that there are no pest free plans happening on our local beaches and it has highlighted the importance of work being done by Pest Free Hibiscus Coast. Supported by the Local Board, and with the help of hundreds of local volunteers, Pest Free Hibiscus Coast maintains trap lines and pest management in 120 local parks, as well as 4000 backyard traps around the Hibiscus Coast. Without this community-led organisation we would be up for an environmental catastrophe. Auckland Council has no ongoing pest management plan in our local parks and reserves and would only step in for a one-off ‘blitz’ following a verified complaint.

It is vital that we ensure the coast is a safe haven for the native birds that are flying from Tiritiri Matangi Island to Shakespear Regional Park, and from there around the Hibiscus Coast. Recent sightings of kākā and kākāriki around the coast are exciting, but likely wouldn’t happen without the dedicated work of many to keep our local trees and forests pest free. 

Recently, funding for local environmental and pest focused organisations has been cut. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that members around the table are committed to supporting environmental outcomes.

Since the 2023 January floods and damaging last year’s cyclone, having a locally led civil and active defence network is indeed more vital than ever. What was revealed in 2023 was that Auckland Emergency Management was wholly unprepared for an emergency event on that scale and had no local centres or communication plans. Auckland Council has admitted and apologised for their failings, but now is the time to ensure that the same mistakes cannot happen again. Practical measures are needed.

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has officially recognised local civil defence organisations which have been named resilience groups. Excellent work is being done by those groups to identify local emergency ‘hubs’ and shelters, and make sure those facilities are equipped with the proper resources and equipment to assist people in situations of natural emergency. We need the community to not only be aware of these groups and their plans, but also to be engaged in their meetings and progress. We have a Whangaparāoa resilience group which looks after the peninsula, and a Hibiscus North Resilience group covering Red Beach, Ōrewa, Silverdale, Waiwera and Millwater. These groups are looking for more involvement from the community. I believe these resilience groups are key to ensuring community safety in any future weather or natural hazard event.

It is incredibly rewarding to be an elected representative of the most beautiful part of Auckland. Thank you to those who have engaged with me recently and I am always open to questions and feedback from residents. Please email me at jake.law@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

Don’t forget sunblock as we come into the warmer months! Let’s hope we can enjoy our beaches and parks pest free.