DIARY OF A CAMPAIGNER: DAY 21; Prosperity, Brother Brent and Speeding Cars

DAY TWENTY-ONE:
Friday 10 September 2010
It is 7 days until the ballot papers start arriving in the letter boxes and 29 days until ‘D’ day decision day on 09th October.

Citizens and ratepayers is about Prosperity. We welcome progress to a world-class Auckland. C&R will create an encouraging and welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and innovators backed by infrastructure and regulations that enhance growth and opportunity. With the assistance of the communities we will create a new Auckland Council which champions a culture that helps people get things done. The team here in Owairaka is a ‘can-do, will-do’ group. We are not bogged down in bureaucratic red tape, mumbo-jumbo. Some of us are young, one of us is experienced in Council but all of us are enthusiastic, energetic and hard working.

I personally support partnerships with the private and not-for-profit sectors to build and grow our community assets. Central and Local government initiatives with Iwi/Tribes particularly with environmental kaitaiaki/guardianship of Cones and Ranges proves partnerships of this nature benefit all especially the communities.

My good friend Brent Iremonger, came door knocking with me in Mt Albert. I really enjoyed my time with him, he lives in the area and so pointed out areas of concern. Curb side drainage issues that back flow onto private property causing flooding at steps and garden edges. When I talked to the residents about it they said they didn’t know who to call to inspect the damage. Maintaining effective contact and communication is obviously an issue for the Council. Perhaps the community can suggest ways of improving the flow of information between the parties.

Mid-afternoon was spent with my sister Rosina back out on the Sandringham streets door knocking. I came across a resident who had concerns about C&R but we spent time discussing issues around transport, water and waste. I enjoyed our discussion at the end of the day voters need and deserve to be able to air their concerns with their Local Board members and on a regular basis. It’s about access to those who are meant to represent the interests of the community.

Late-afternoon it was back with the team standing at the Lights corner of St Lukes and New North Rds waving the C&R banner. Yup you have to be tough to stand waving. It’s not that you’re making a fool of yourself it’s that there’s little more than fresh air between you and a car travelling at the speed of a bullet. Cameron, Sarah and I then door knocked around Mt Albert.
We’re getting out and about – and we’re having lots of fun.