Councillor's Comment

Tena tatau Whakatū crew.
Two weeks ago, I helped farewell Daniel Tims, who passed away on Saturday, 3 August. He was whaiora, someone seeking wellness. I like the reference whaikaha and ora (well), kaha (strong) when I think of Daniel.

It’s about what he was rather than what he wasn’t.

In the past couple of years, we’ve lost Teanna, Donna, Tama, John, and now Daniel, and that’s just from one of our service providers for vulnerable people. Our vulnerable die young and a lot. Unless you’re in the sector, you just don’t know. These guys are one of the reasons I ran for Council, one of the lenses I apply to my decision making. If you think I’m a bit of a woke, wowser snowflake: Firstly, thank you. Secondly, we might just be a little different. We can still be friends.

I have a great deal of faith in our community. Awesome people doing awesome things. I see you people every day. Whakatū may have the house price and stink wages thing, but we also have the kindest people in New Zealand.
We have passionate, compassionate Councillors and staff. We also have these things called community outcomes. I think about the word “community” a lot. I think of who “community” isn’t. 

To be a “community”, you need to be visible, and you need to engage. If you don’t have many safe spaces, the visibility and engagement thing is an issue. In 2020, Daniel Tims went to Parliament with a petition to stop the closure of Nikau House – one of these safe spaces. This was done successfully with the support of the then MP Nick Smith along with our current MP Rachel Boyack.

Inclusion is a term we also use. Council is looking at items around hubs, shared spaces, art and culture. These have the potential for “community”. We have intent but must execute. I do have a secret sauce. That my friends, is you. Eye contact and a smile from a stranger is good for all of us. Our marginalised and vulnerable stay out of our institutions when they have community. The larger this community is, the more successful the outcomes will be, and we all win. I’ll work my end. You work yours.