This is Our Community, Our Voice. Glen Olsen, why I am standing for the Paraparaumu Community Board
Our Community, Our Voice, let's Make it Heard!
As a long-term resident, my family has over 50 years of history in Paraparaumu. Over the last couple of years, I have been wondering, what value is the Paraparaumu Community Board delivering? How in any way is it representing our collective community's voice?
Sadly, when people are elected, they often believe they have the right to speak "for" the people; this is not correct; and is a characteristic found in authoritarianism, not in our democracy. Board members must represent the collective community's wishes, regardless of whether or not they align with their personal opinion.
I must challenge as to when the Paraparaumu Community Board last consulted our community on any issue. Also, when has the board taken a representative lead on any matter concerning the community? Is the board reporting what they have done for the community? Looking at the Paraparaumu Community Facebook page, it has been a long time.
The Paraparaumu community board must take a more significant role in representing our community; it should not just sit back and wait for KDCD to lead its agenda. Critically the board needs to become proactive. It must begin engaging with, representing and communicating what it is doing and disclosing how it adds value to the Paraparaumu Community.
We must continue improving our community's environment and lifestyle, ensuring affordable rates and that KCDC expenditure is beneficial and accountable.
With a keen interest in local sports, theatre, the arts and sustainable economic development, I have been involved with several local community groups and charities. I initiated BSN Kapiti (Business Support Network Kapiti) during the early stages of the initial Covid lockdown as a support network, including a means for local businesses to gain access to the latest information. I remain a long-term committee member (previously deputy chair) of KEDA (Kapiti Economic Development Association).
For these and many more reasons, I stand to revive the Paraparaumu Community Board.
Our Community, Our Voice, let's Make it Heard!
glenolsen.net
Authorised by Glen Olsen
glen@glenolsen.net
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
KAPITI GENEALOGY
February Meetings outlined in attached flyer showing
Time, Dates & Locations
Members Free, Visitors $5
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