Why Is Maxwell Writing Off Waikanae
Joel Maxwell's description of Waikanae in this week’s Kapiti Observer is disturbing. Writing on the meeting at Whakarongotai, he paints a dismal picture of the town once voted as NZ's best. He describes the town centre around Mahara Place as "souless" with an "80's style shopping centre". According to him we are all somewhat vegetative, aged and National supporters. We never go out at night. I normally enjoy Maxwell's perceptive and edgy writing, but the negative tone of this one left a sour taste in the mouth.
I wondered if Maxwell had spent any time in Waikanae recently? Has he noticed, for example, the upgrade to Mahara Place and the outdoor dining areas, stage and new seating? Has he sat in the seats and observed the many social interchanges that occur between people moving through the space? Has he been to the Tuesday market? Has he stopped for a minute to admire the well -tended gardens and literally, smell the roses?
It’s true that on a chilly night you won’t find a lot of people out and about, but there are always a few, out walking, or walking their dogs and picking up last minute grocery items. Its one of the things I like about Waikanae, the number of people out on the street. It makes it a safer place to live. Hordes of us will be out during the day, walking the beach, the park, the lagoon and strolling the streets.
I would also like to assure Maxwell that the Labour party is alive and well in Waikanae and many of us also support the policies of the Green party. Recent Labour party activities such as the quiz night have been sold out significantly ahead of time. And if you think its solely the domain of white people, you should take a closer look at our Labour candidate, Terisa Ngobi, she is fantastic!!
Over the last decade, the demographic of Waikanae has changed considerably. No longer is it the sole domain of older people. With the electrification of the rail, there are many young families now living in the area. Nor is it a crime to be older. The retirees in the area are far from vegetative and spend many hours in community related organisations. It has social capital in spades. It’s another one of the things that make it such a great place to live. Many of the people now retired and living in Waikanae were at the top of their professional field. The collective expertise of this wee town is astounding. Underestimate us at your peril!!
These days Waikanae has a nice understated hum about it. If Maxwell can’t hear it, perhaps he has spent too much time lately in The Warehouse?
THE WAIKANAE BEACH MONTHLY COMMUNITY MARKET IS ON TOMORROW
WHERE:- Waikanae Beach Community Hall,
22 Rauparaha Street, Waikanae Beach,
WHEN:- Sunday 8 March 10am-1pm
Enjoy a Sunday outing with your family and friends by visiting this great friendly community market where you will discover handmade treasures and local creativity by highly talented stallholders where every piece tells a story.
FOR THE KIDS:-
Bring the kids along so they can meet jane with her quality handmade crochet toys, along with Helen and her huge range of awesome handmade children's dress ups and dolls clothes etc and Viv Walker a local author of Children's Books and an accomplished creator of Pet Portraits.
NEW STALLHOLDER:-
BioGro Certified organic apples from Applejack Orchard in Te Horo. Their apples are tree ripened, and picked and bagged the day before they sell them! They are audited annually by BioGro New Zealand, and their certificate will be on display.
DISCOVER UNIQUE AND QUALITY ITEMS:-
You will find a huge variety of high-quality, reasonably priced gift ideas along with locally produced honey beeswax, Oils & Sauces, Fresh Flowers and Organic Apples.
MEET UP WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY:-
Meet up with a friend or 2 and enjoy a Sunday outing at this great Community event.
Don't miss it... support local!
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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37.6% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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62.4% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
🎉 Riddle me this, legends! 🎉
He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?
(Shezz from Ngāruawāhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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