Viewpoint – Volunteering a view

Where would we be without our communities’ volunteers? Lost, I’d say. It’s actually hard to imagine how we’d be getting on without the ordinary-yet-extraordinary Kiwis who contribute their own time and energy to make our world go around.

I say this not only to acknowledge the practical contribution made by these local heroes, but also in terms of making New Zealand the great little country that it is. My favourite moments as a local MP are those recognising the women and men who do so much.

As a special example, I’m eagerly looking forward to an upcoming celebration of the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade. The Gold Star recipients being honoured on the night have reached a significant milestone.

I am certain we’ll also have a chance to reflect on the service of everyone else who wears the firefighter’s badge and those who support them, whether family members or work colleagues. I’ll also be thinking of their counterparts in St John, Coastguard, our surf lifesavers and so on.

In the spirit of celebrating local community, it was also really pleasing to see many volunteers out and about collecting for Daffodil Day recently. I was so pleased to have an opportunity to join their ranks, rattling the bucket for this very, very good cause, outside a Warkworth supermarket recently. I know that there will be a number of readers of Mahurangi Matters who take time organising such efforts and many more who give generously, of course. Please take a moment to thank them today.

And while I’m at it, I’d like to offer thanks on behalf of the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate to our JPs.

We are fortunate to be served by many dedicated Justices of the Peace and I was pleased to be able to honour them recently at a morning tea at Sheepworld (a great venue between Warkworth and Wellsford, now owned by the inspiring Springboard Trust). The 100th anniversary of JPs’ service to Auckland communities is now upon us. What a record of service. We do need more JPs, incidentally, so please contact me if you’re keen to learn more.

There’s a final category of community volunteer that I want to acknowledge here: the advocates who are steadfast in their campaign for a better deal in Rodney. – for example, the One Mahurangi-led transport forum, which I’m privileged to co-chair. It’s a great insight into the work of community groups such as resident and ratepayers associations, always asking the right questions of the transport agencies and local and central government, on behalf of the area.

I encourage you to remember the work that our community volunteers and advocates do. Please take some time to appreciate these local heroes and thank them for their service and contribution today. And if that’s you: thank you so much for your service. We’d be lost without you.