Henderson Massey Local Board
Last night I went to the Massey Settlers Hall where candidates for the Henderson Massey Local Board were introducing themselves to the public. Just when I was so over these meetings I almost didn’t go, I found myself engaged, listening and learning. This was a dynamic group of people, with both age and experience, youthfulness and excitement and most of all a progressive vision for their area. If the present Waitakere Ranges Local Board members were as dynamic, forward-thinking and progressive as the candidates I saw at Massey last night, the whole of West Auckland would be in a better state.
Candidates who are existing Board members were able to recite lists of achievements and practical outcomes for ratepayers money spent in the last three years. Two candidates were in their 20s, both spoke well and one in particular, explained that after listening to the incumbents speak, she was impressed and realised there is a lot to learn. This shows how much potential exists in the youth of our communities. Get the right person and the right mentors and we’ll have some really good leaders in the future. This lead to a question from the floor asking candidates how they would get younger people voting. You can’t make people vote, but getting motivated younger people onto Local Boards is a start.
Even the social chatting afterwards with a cuppa coffee and really nice sandwiches was worthwhile and Carl and I didn’t leave till after 10 p.m.. One incumbent Henderson Massey Board member explained the Board felt developers/entrepreneurs are often happy to stand by waiting for a community or area to drop in popularity and value. Then they can buy into the area more cheaply, which makes more profit from their developments. This person explained that the Board had worked hard for the last three years to stop Henderson’s desirability falling further and encouraging developers to act now. These people are not alienating entrepreneurs, developers or landlords nor are they being pushed around by them.
I relish the chance to work with, and for, people like this in the future! What Henderson needs now is for its political representatives to make sure Council bureaucrats have the same vision.
