Why Is Maxwell Writing Off Waikanae

Marie from 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?