These are interesting times. The draft Rodney Local Board Plan, which sets the direction of the Board for the next three years, is open for consultation on July 13. If you have an interest in what is to happen in Rodney this should be on your reading list. The Board has jurisdiction on elements of local government that make a difference to the environment we live in and the plan is a great place to gain an insight into this. Please look it up and feedback will be welcome, visit akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rodneyplan
We have some major challenges facing our communities and our country at present. Covid-19 has changed us. Mostly for the better, I think. We are becoming more aware – aware of ourselves and of the greater good. The efforts of the country to eliminate Covid-19 were outstanding, but it made us aware that our personal choices have an impact on others that are sometimes disproportionate. A week of the flu for one person is life and death for another. It doesn’t get much more real.
We need economic activity – but how much of what we do makes a difference? Spending money in our local economies on things that are produced in our local areas is possibly the best we can do as individuals. However, I believe central government should also assist Auckland Council. For example, we are told that as a result of the economic slowdown due to Covid-19, Auckland Transport’s budget needs to be slashed, by maybe as much as $300 million. As a result, there are significant projects that will be deferred or deleted from the workstream. All these projects add long term value to the country, as improvements to the road network enable other economic activity and, most importantly, they mean employment and income for those who deliver the work on the ground. Although $300 million sounds a lot, as a proportion of what the Government spent (tens of billions) to keep the country going through lockdown, it is almost negligible. The effect of not completing these projects is immense.
Meanwhile, there are some major local issues. None more so than the development of the landfill in the Dome Valley. A landfill anywhere is not desirable. Any rational person living anywhere near where a landfill is proposed is going to be resistant, and if you live anywhere in Rodney this is “near”. I am very resistant to having another large-scale landfill in Rodney and will do whatever I am able to ensure that the processes are appropriate. It is a difficult decision though, and requires sensitivity, intelligent rational deliberation and high-level vision.
We use the phrase “one team” often in my corporate role, and it’s so appropriate on so many levels. We are one city, one country, one world. Lift your sights, look to the big picture, contribute wherever you can, spend your money and time wisely, and look out for one another.
Steve Garner, Rodney Local Board
steven.garner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Viewpoint - Rodney Local Board
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