Viewpoint – Creating a safe place

When you look at what the Hibiscus Coast community have endured for the past few months, I believe we have discovered what our community is all about.

Groups have stepped up and helped many people that find themselves in desperate situations with damaged properties or not able to stay their homes. The work that was achieved by the local emergency services has been outstanding and I truly applaud their efforts over the months which was over and above their normal day to day services.

With the lessons learned over the past months from the natural weather disasters, it has been mine – and I believe the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s – intentions to establish a comprehensive Civil Defence system for our areas to ensure that we don’t find ourselves (the community) struggling to get help organised. It is time to put a strategy plan into fruition so that all emergency services and community volunteers are ready at a moment’s notice to spring into action for our communities.

I have recently been contacted by many people regarding the situation at the Hibiscus Coast Bus terminal and the concern for the safety of people waiting to catch a bus. There appears to be regular harassment, threats, stealing of clothing and intimidation by young people who think it’s cool to act this way. Well, it’s not, and there are meetings taking place with Local Board members, Mark Mitchell and Police to find ways of stopping this occurring as we will not stand for this type of behaviour in our community. I know that the community requires zero tolerance and wants to see our bus terminal a safe place to wait for a bus.

As chair of the Local Board it’s always an honour to represent Auckland Council at special occasions, including NZ Citizenship and also the Anzac Day ceremonies. I attended three services this year for Anzac Day and looking at the attendance of the community really emphasises how important these events are.

May it continue on for many years.

On a personal note, not long ago I was involved in a Flood Relief Charity Fundraiser at Paraoa Bar, Whangaparāoa, with a great line up of local talent, Sam Wilcox Brown, Velvet Tones, Rockstok Band, Rietta Austin, Jamie Vokes, Chet O’Connell, Stu J and also famous artists The Lady Killers (Suzy Lynch, Tina Cross and Jackie Clarke) and a special one-in-50-year appearance by Space Waltz with Eddie Rayner and Alister Riddell. The money raised will be given to a group to help those affected by the recent floods.

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy our wonderful Hibiscus Coast.