Viewpoint – Close ties through change

Recently I appeared on a televised and live-streamed programme called Guide to Better Living. I talked about living on the Hibiscus Coast and the transition of my family moving from Pukekohe (spud country) to Ōrewa when I was only eight years old, in 1970.

The Hibiscus Coast had a pretty small population back then, but now when you look at the way the housing development is continuing to grow at such a rapid rate, it’s obvious that people are becoming attracted to our area and wanting to settle down with their families. 

Through so many changes in recent times, including new commercial developments, more residential subdivisions, the town centres expanding, and the development of the motorways to Auckland, I believe that the Hibiscus Coast has still maintained its sense of a close community.

When you realise just how many sports clubs, recreational activities, social clubs, charities and support groups are involved in our community, you understand that they are very instrumental in sustaining a sense of belonging for many families and associations.

Looking back at the Christmas break and seeing the record number of people that were visiting our area, reminded me of how very fortunate we all are to live in an area with so many beaches and amenities, even with some of the headaches it caused. 

I would like to think that the many guests and visitors that frequent our area appreciate what is available to them and it is a great reminder of what makes the Hibiscus Coast a fantastic destination.

With the ever-increasing population growth on the Hibiscus Coast, there are many considerations taken into account when deciding on changes that affect our community.

Keeping the public parks, community facilities, and the roading well maintained is extremely important to ensure that our way of life is not compromised. 

The implementation of Auckland Transport’s ‘Safer Streets’ initiative hopes to make our town centres and school areas safer – also this may help in the reduction of injuries to pedestrians in the long term.

Hopefully, in the near future, we will see events once again taking place on the Hibiscus Coast – on park facilities, at the beaches and even in the town centres.

And when they do, I encourage our community to get involved so you can experience that feeling of enjoyment that we so desperately need right now.

Although some members of the public may disagree, I believe that the members of Hibiscus and Bays Local Board are great ambassadors for our area, listening to our constituents, and I know we are always seeking ways of improving all aspects of our area.

In summary, the Hibiscus Coast is a treasure and I’m sure that people understand that it is a wonderful asset to Auckland.

I believe that as a strong community we can ensure that it stays that way.