Community, Remembrance, and Representation
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This month has been one of reflection. Our community mourns the loss of an innocent life, international student Kyle Whorrall, who was heartlessly killed after shopping at Meadowbank Shopping Centre and around the corner from our electorate office. It is shocking and saddening but the community banding together to support each other and his memory is deeply moving. This Sunday 4th May, locals are hosting a remembrance afternoon at Meadow Restaurant (20 Saint Johns Road) from 2pm which will include live music and a silent auction to raise funds for his family. I’m sure all would be welcome to join the community at this event. |
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Last Friday, I attended the St Heliers ANZAC Day Service, hosted by the Orakei Local Board. There were moving war letters read by a young Scout and ANZAC address read by Noah from Sacred Heart College. I was pleased to see so many parents with children in attendance remembering the tragedy of lives lost in war. For me, I remember my great-grandfather who fought at Gallipoli and his brother who did not return. Lest we forget. |
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In very exciting news, I have announced local Selwyn College student Mikaela Renner will be Youth MP for Tāmaki 2025 and will represent the electorate in Youth Parliament as well as learn more about the role of being a local representative in the community. Make sure to say hi if you see us out and about together! |
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Speaking of the role of local representation, this often means meeting people, listening, and finding information. This month I spoke at the Orakei Residents Association and received useful information from members. I know many people will be wondering about the future of dogs at Madills Farm and Glover Park. Our office has had many enquiries. I can now confirm the local board has decided to keep the Council exemption – dogs will remain off leash during non-sport activities. The future of McDonalds on Kepa Rd is ongoing and undecided, but the hearing for their resource consent application is scheduled for next week, and we await more information. Our office has received several enquiries about speed limits in Meadowbank. Yes, speed limits will revert to limits prior to the previous Government’s reductions, but we have had confirmation that local communities retain the ability to ask their council for reductions in specific streets. Let’s see what the council’s process will look like. |
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Our next community meeting is about crime and safety on 13 June at Sacred Heart College. I will be bringing the Police Minister, Children’s Minister, and local Police together for one night to hear directly from locals and to give an update on their work programmes. It will be a night not to be missed! Please RSVP to [email protected] or via my website here. |
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See you out and about in the community!
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