Now we hear of ‘talk’ questioning the existence of the CAB, Citizens Advice Bureau Times, February 15). I have been involved in promoting tourism in Howick/Pakuranga and Botany for some years.
What on earth is happening to The Howick Information Centre, Howick War Memorial that was built and funded by the community on whatever date that is on the foundation stone.
The Howick War Memorial/Information Centre ‘usterbee’ the meeting point for any Howickian vistitors, that included couriers (91 Picton Street).
Now it is cleaned out of information with absolutely nothing happening in these premises that used to be opened
Monday to Friday 10am-2pm plus Saturday morning 10am-12 noon, all with volunteers.
I was of the opinion that local government was all about empowering the community at a local level.
Time energy and effort has been put into Neighbourhood Support, Howick and Pakuranga voluntary patrols and Botany Flat Bush voluntary patrols. These organisations are three of many groups caring for our communities like the Howick Sea Rescue, fire brigade and ambulance service etc.
With the last disaster/cyclone, there is a need to maintain these support groups. It only takes a phone call for us to look after each other and that includes schools, churches and many, many community groups. These connections need to be maintained and updated by the personnel concerned.
All this information was in the Howick Information Centre/War Memorial Building.
I hope this administration is not into disempowering the community. All communities have a degree of passion and enthusiasm for their community. This has been seen lately as people help each other to endure and support whatever comes knocking at their doors.
Remember our Howick motto, ”To serve with good will”. We need to keep this as our mission statement and we need the present administration to support us with all the community groups in our eastern suburbs.
Jim Donald
Howick Town Crier
