Viewpoint – Support for citizen-based initiatives vital

Citizen-based initiatives continue to make all the difference on the Hibiscus Coast.  Many times they have saved the day. There are a number of local initiatives that deserve support.

The Gulf Harbour ferry is back to a full schedule – but it could be even better with weekend sailings and faster, foiling ferries. A professional local boat designer has been part of a team that has designed a high-performance, electric foiling ferry customised for the Gulf Harbour run. Innovative financing options have been put forward.  In the meantime it’s important to support this vital service.

A number of local sporting clubs are applying themselves to the improvement of Metro Park in Silverdale. HBC Football, cricket, hockey, Silverdale Rugby, basketball and softball are part of a re-energised team committed to putting in place an indoor facility close to the hockey field together with a pavilion in the vicinity of the cricket/football/athletics. YMCA North has been helpful in developing plans and building the business case with the support of Harbour Sport.

In a more sub-regional context there is the great turnaround occurring at North Harbour Stadium encouraged by the recent announcement that the new rugby team Moana Pasifika will play and train there.

We must retain what we’ve got – especially our precious green spaces – none more so than the Gulf Harbour golf course – where an outstanding team of locals are leading the campaign to secure it.

Across the art, recreation and cultural scene a range of local clubs enrich our community.  Memberships are incredibly reasonable.  Our local tennis clubs all participated recently in a successful ‘Love Tennis’ event while the Manly Sailing Club has a programme of local and national competitions.

Restore Hibiscus & Bays and Forest & Bird do great work on pest control to bring back the birds – so we are seeing more birdsong than ever.

All these initiatives merit support, membership and financial help together with that of other local clubs.  We have in our special area much of the best of everything.  Let’s keep it that way.  We can all play a part.