Viewpoint – Our brilliant volunteers

The idea for my column this week was borne out of needing to update my community contacts list. It is remarkable how much it has grown over the past eight years, not that the number of organisations have increased markedly themselves – although one or two new ones do pop up each year. This expansion has occurred when in one way or another people have sought out my support for Council or Local Board matters, or something else completely unrelated. Whether it has been for local government support, or an introduction to our central government politicians who may be able to influence an outcome for them, I’ve usually been able to connect them with the right people to help them move their project or issue forward.

In doing this, it astounds me how many community members are giving unselfishly of their time – sometimes at a significant financial cost to themselves. They keep our community thriving socially, economically, and environmentally, and what is also remarkable is that in many cases the same people are involved in multiple groups, totalling more than a full-time commitment. Yes, they are more often than not “retired”, but are the very personalities described in the saying: “If you want something done, ask a busy person”.

They run some of our much-loved events and festivals, progress major sporting infrastructure investment requirements, trap and record pest animals, plant and weed on reserves, help with wetland or riparian margin restoration, monitor water quality, develop and construct trails, fundraise for and then install assets such as play equipment, picnic shelters and bench seats in parks, run our museums, undertake waste minimisation initiatives, man volunteer libraries, serve social organisations looking after vulnerable communities, build neighbourhood capacity and resilience and more.

We couldn’t function without them, so I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge each and every one of them for the work they have done, continue to do, and stepped up to do over two disrupted years through Covid-related challenges. They’ve done this willingly and without complaint. I’m pleased that Auckland Council and the Rodney Local Board have been able to support them through grants funding, community leases, and specialist staff assistance where needed. They are an incredibly talented and dedicated group of people and deserve all of our thanks. Please think of them this holiday season as you get to enjoy some of the fruits of their labour, even if you hadn’t realised it.

If your group or organisation is not receiving regular communication from me on opportunities to feed into Council plans, policies, bylaws, and annual budgets, or to apply for funds, then please get in touch, and I will add you to my mailing list. I do not use my mailing lists for political or campaigning purposes.