Viewpoint – Connection and care for all

I hope everyone has had time to connect with friends and families over the summer. As we look toward the future, it is clear that our greatest asset is our people – the families and the connections built within our unique communities. For those of us raising families here, the vision for the next decade is one of balance. We envision a region where growth doesn’t mean losing our small-town soul, but rather strengthening the hubs that bring us together.

Preserving that soul means recognising that in Mahurangi, our pets and rural heritage are an inseparable part of the family unit. Whether it is a morning walk along the beach at Algies Bay or a weekend ride on the coast near Leigh, our animals remind us of the importance of preserving our green spaces.

I am committed to working with the board to create more dedicated spaces for these activities. My goal is for us to be the first local board to specifically prioritise opening up new areas of access to our parks for both dogs and horses. Our recreation areas should reflect how we actually live, ensuring that as our population grows, our four-legged residents aren’t squeezed out of the landscape.

A future-focused Mahurangi also means building a “local-first” economy where our kids don’t have to leave home to find a great career. We are already delivering practical results through the new Rodney Community Team. To support our young people in becoming resilient and self-sufficient, we have prioritised essential milestones like making driving courses accessible. By helping remove the barrier to driver training, we are empowering our youth to access learning and jobs across the region. These initiatives ensure our next generation has the tools to thrive right here at home.

As development pressures increase, we must ensure infrastructure comes first. By focusing on inclusive parks, vibrant hubs and practical life skills for our youth, we are nurturing a home, not just a subdivision.
I wish everyone a great year ahead. Please keep an eye out and provide feedback on the Rodney Local Board plan when it comes in the next couple of months. Together, let’s get it done.