Viewpoint – Winds of change 

The weather has been weird. I thought something was odd when the rain outside was flying past the window horizontally. Then came a whooshing sound, snapping branches and leaves flying in formation. A stop sign was snapped out of the ground. There was talk of a tornado. Could it be that the winds of change are upon us?

The wind blew swiftly to the towers where the Mayor of Auckland made it clear. He was done with Local Boards. Finished. He wanted them gone, combined, rehashed, discontinued. Twenty one Local Boards are far too many for Auckland he said, and his booming voice carried across the land. Perhaps he was right.

It’s time to look at changing how we do local governance and representation. Many lament the loss of the legendary Rodney District Council. When things were done locally, and done right. Most of the time. 

Auckland Council now has to choose between redesigning what the landscape of local governance looks like ‘in house’ or requesting a local government commission review. 

I believe it’s a Local Government Commission process that must be undertaken. This will ensure that politicians and those round the governing body table are not just protecting their own interests. We need a new system, one that empowers local decision making and encourages community engagement. It’s not just about changing how local boards are structured, we need positive change for the entire Auckland governance structure. 

Cast upon the winds of change, a letter flew into our letter boxes. A dreadful, terribly worded letter. Plan Change 120. Minister Bishop wanted 2 million more homes in Auckland. (Now less, thankfully). With intensification and growing communities in the Hibiscus Coast, the demand for supporting infrastructure is ever increasing. That’s why I am focused on ensuring that community assets like the delayed Stoney Butler Park in Millwater are delivered and well equipped to support public use. 

It was a breezy morning as we attended a protest in Army Bay, with locals rightfully upset as rock pool life and shoreline ecology are vanishing on a scale never seen before. We’ve demanded that the government enforce a ban on collection so that the affected areas can recover. Much of the take has been considered legal, and we need to keep the focus on a law change and enforcement to bring about a positive outcome. It was so good to see many people there from all walks of life, underscoring the value of our environment and those eager to protect it. 

With this possibly being the last term we have a ‘Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’ and many other changes coming our way, let’s hope the winds are blowing in a positive direction.