On Sunday May 30, the Point View Heritage Society celebrated the 20th anniversary of its incorporation with a luncheon at Fisher House in Highbrook.
The Society was incorporated on May 30, 2001 after residents noticed an announcement in a local newspaper in August 1999 proposing to close the southern portion of Point View Drive and sell some of the land.
Concerned they had not been consulted on a move that would impact their road, a group met, printed a leaflet and distributed it along the road asking residents’ opinions of the announcement, resulting in the creation and incorporation of the Point View Heritage Society.
The Society was created with the aim to preserve and enhance the heritage of the street and surrounding environment; protect the local environment including flora and fauna; lobby local and central Government on matters concerning the street; enhance the amenity value of the street; enhance the security and safety of local residents by liaising with police to report and collate information on crime and suspicious activity; report dumped rubbish to the council and arrange removal and lobby council on street safety issues relating to road condition, footpaths and accident spots.
In addition, the society aimed to arrange social activities and foster a sense of community.
While the Society was unsuccessful in stopping the then Manukau City Council closing the southern end of the road, the ‘coming together’ of residents to form the Society has been “spectacularly successful”, the Society said.
“The group has formed a sound working relationship with police, Auckland Council, the Howick Local Board, Friends of Mangemangeroa, Forest and Bird and the local fire department,” it said.
They continue to lobby when issues arise, to the enhancement of amenities of all residents in the street.
“While many community groups exist around New Zealand, the Society believes it is unique in the relationships it has formed. Aside from being involved in local and central government matters, over the past 20 years the committee of the Society has promoted many social engagements resulting in a community bond that has seen neighbours becoming life-long friends.
“During the intermittent lockdowns of the past year, the level of caring in the community increased, with residents stepping up to look out for each other, not from a sense of duty, but because they genuinely care for each other,” the Society said.
The Point View Heritage Society 20th anniversary luncheon was an opportunity for residents and committee members, both past and present, to celebrate the many successes that have enhanced their community and the strong bonds that have formed between residents and with local organisations.
