Viewpoint – Saluting our volunteers

One of the great strengths of this area is a sense of community that shines through in so many ways, whether in times of celebration or in times of challenge. From the volunteers who keep us safe to the organisers who bring us together, the Mahurangi region is full of people who give their time and energy to make this a better place for all.

Our local volunteer firefighters are a perfect example. I was delighted to be able to attend the recent Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade honours evening, where the courage, comradeship and commitment of these salt-of-the-earth men and women was on display.

They stand ready to respond when disaster strikes, whether that’s a house fire, a car crash or a medical emergency. These are the 24/7 examples of response, before you even consider the significant floods that hit rural north Auckland in 2023 and several instances of damage caused by ravaging high winds here in the past few years.

This voluntary service comes at actual personal cost – it’s short-notice time away from family, interrupted sleep and sometimes dangerous conditions, along with the mental burden they bear. I was pleased to have an opportunity to acknowledge the families who support the firefighters themselves, as well, when invited to “say a few words” at the recent honours night. I also made a point of acknowledging the employers who allow their valued workers to leap up – again almost invariably at the drop of a hat – to engage in these extra-curricular heroics.

Equally it’s heartening to see the community come together in celebration of what’s special about this area, as recently was the case for the Kowhai Festival in Warkworth. It was clear – as I took in the sights, sounds and dinner-time food truck smells – that there’s a real sense of community that’s fostered with events such as this. Obviously other key events on the calendar, including the Warkworth A&P Show and Santa Parade among others, also offer the chance for families and friends to connect in a large-scale gathering.

This year’s Kowhai Festival was once again a reminder of how important events like these don’t just happen – they rely on countless volunteers, community groups and small businesses who pitch in for the benefit of everyone. My sincere thanks to all who played a part.

Finally, I want to acknowledge those who put themselves forward in the recent Auckland Council and local board elections. Standing for public office is not an easy thing to do. As I’m very well aware in a central government context, you need a pretty thick skin to put yourself forward! Candidates face the critiques of other candidates and, of course, fellow citizens, some entirely justified and others spurious, but all important in the name of democracy. Each candidate contributed to our democratic process and to the important conversations about the future of our area. To those newly-elected and the re-elected (Councillor Greg Sayers and members of the Rodney Local Board), congratulations and I look forward to working with you to deliver for our local communities.

From our firefighters to our festival organisers, from volunteers to voters, it’s clear that Kaipara ki Mahurangi thrives because of its people. Thank you all for the roles you play in making this such a strong, caring and connected community.