8 minute read
60 Minutes with Debbie and Norma
60 minutes with Debbie and Norma Co-Chairs, Milford Residents Association by Aidan Bennett
Over the years I have come into contact with some great community organisations while publishing this fine magazine and with my company Benefitz assisting people with projects and events. I am now also working with many of these same people in my new local board leadership role. One such organisation is the Milford Residents Association, jointly chaired by the passionate duo of Debbie Dunsford and Norma Bott.
Norma Bott was involved in the Milford Residents Association back in the 90s. It went into a hiatus for a period through until 2008, when it was re-registered due to the scale of the proposed residential development on the Milford Mall site.
“The mall owners were proposing a development that was up to 58 metres high and that was of great concern to local residents.” explained Debbie Dunsford. “The maximum allowed at that time was 24.5 metres. So, Peter Carter reregistered and was the first Chairman of the reformed Milford Residents Association with the goal of representing the community to ensure they had a voice in moderating things.”
Norma and Debbie say that led to the association playing a wider role in the community. They have gone on to provide leadership on a range of positive things for the Milford area. Such projects as the development of the town square with Jeff Thomson’s sculpture pieces and also highlighting the rich heritage of the area. They are always in the thick of the action during market days and special events in Milford.
“We are lucky that we have had some great people working with us,” added Norma Bott. “Peter Carter designed the new square and played a big part in the commissioning of the
Jeff Thomson sculptures. Then Murray Hill and the Milford Business Association came in behind and really got locals to buy in to the project.”
“Milford has a proud heritage and we have loved the work we have done in highlighting that with displays of old photos, telling the stories and getting involved in the Heritage Week and other related activity.”
With a paying membership of just under 120, the Milford Residents Association is funded by members, with additional fundraising events from time to time.
Communication is a key part of what the Milford Residents Association is all about. Getting residents involved by keeping them informed, and they do it well. Their regular newsletters go to an email list of around 400 and their recently established Milford Locals Facebook page is approaching 200 members. It is a hive of information for locals. It is a hive of information for locals.
So what are the challenges for the MRA?
“Getting younger people involved,” said Norma Bott. “We are very keen to engage with the younger folk in our community and get them involved with the MRA. The reality is it is often those only at a certain time in life who have the time to do what Debbie and I do. Our committee are all 60-plus and most members are 40-50 plus. There is a challenge for us to involve younger people and our ethnic communities as well. It is a focus and will result in an injection of new ideas and topics, which we need. They will also be able to help us with the tech stuff that we are not so good at!”
Debbie and Norma say they always feel like they are fighting battles. Such things like transport issues as well as ensuring proposed development is in keeping with the area. But they are also involved in advocating and facilitating new and improved community facilities.
“Council and the local board are always getting in touch to get our feedback which we appreciate,” added Debbie Dunsford. “Advocating on behalf of the community we have played a part communicating with council and our members in relation to the new toilet block, the courts and children's playground at Milford reserve by the marina and the beach. And, most recently with the new artwork celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage by artist Lang Ea, which was installed during March.”
“In recent times we have also embraced the North Shore Birdsong Project,” added Norma Bott. “This is an environmental initiative being coordinated by Fiona
Martin and the Takapuna North Community Trust.”
The North Shore Birdsong
Project is in response to the
Government’s goal of ‘Predator
Free 2050’ aim to remove stoats, rats and possums by 2050. It is a pest free and restoration plan which has been created by the Takapuna North Environmental Network convening group to work towards playing a part in saving our native flora, fauna and ecosystems. The group are dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging and supporting local action in ecological restoration, including pest management. The MRA is involved in helping them get their predator traps around the area – the perimeter of the Wairau Creek, in Brian Byrnes Reserve, around Lake Pupuke and also in residential properties.
“We see water quality as a very important issue for our area,” said Debbie Dunsford. “The Wairau Estuary – as has been highlighted with the Milford WEEPS campaign – and also Lake Pupuke. Also pests and weeds, which are being addressed by the North Shore Birdsong Project that we are working with.”
It is clear that the Milford Residents Association’s reach is wide. They are keen on general ongoing improvement for Milford. Making sure Milford is getting its fair share.
A project they are keen to see come to fruition is the Milford Boardwalk, the building of a boardwalk through the Wairau/ Milford Creek to link the town centre with the marina and the beach. When built this will be very popular with locals and visitors alike. The project is in development stage with funding yet to be secured.
One thing is for sure Norma and Debbie know how to keep their local board members honest. I really loved the 45 minute chat – it was friendly but firm – and I came away well aware of what they wanted from this short-term politician. I look forward to delivering as much as I can!
I urge Milford residents of all ages to get involved in the great work of their residents association. Become members. Hopefully we have laid the challenge down to the younger folk in the area as a result of this article – Norma and Debbie are keen for you to get involved. For more information on the Milford Residents Association visit: www.mra.org.nz or contact: chairs@milford.org.nz We are very keen to engage with the younger folk in our community and get them involved with the MRA. Norma and Debbie with Guy Armstrong at the recent
Milford Vive La France Market Day held in late
February. Guy is a key person driving the Milford WEEPS initiative.
Market Pulse on the Shore By Geraldine Zareian Investors poised to take advantage
Whenever there’s a global challenge, shrewd people time their investment. We are experiencing such a period right now.
Loan interest rates have been reduced to encourage the market to continue spending. That coincides with more proposed changes to the tenancy law. With buyer demand at a seasonal high, the momentum may continue into and past autumn.
Getting ready to sell during autumn?
Summer is often seen as the most popular time of the year to list a home, but it can be smart to wait until autumn to hammer that “For Sale” sign into your lawn. Don't be afraid to give up the good for great!
Less competition There are fewer homes on the market during the autumn months, so you have less competition. Heating and cooling during a cooler market Weather extremes are less of an issue for open homes. Heat pumps and fireplaces become big selling points. Less waiting for trade and preparation teams Buyers are keen to move in before winter
The question is whether the expected slowdown in property sales will happen prior to the general election this year. No sign of a slow-down yet!
An unprecedented combination of factors are at play that could alter the course. The events of 2003 were similar and the demand for property resulted in a price increase, despite the predictions.
North Shore isn’t a travel destination and may be able to avoid any of the industry-related decline.
It will be interesting to look back at the end of the year and see who the active buyers were. Property has always been the best long-term investment. A much better prospect than off-shore!
I offer a wider and more diverse service than anyone else on the Shore. I can put you in touch with local trusted professionals, including: an experienced lawyer; financial adviser; interior home stylist; handyman; builder: electrician; gardening services; exterior house cleaning, property management and much more!
Check us out @ thinkbigkiwi.com Geraldine Zareian, Residential Sales Barfoot & Thompson, 021 184 0312, g.zareian@barfoot.co.nz www.tosell.nz
Thank You Pauline and Bryan for the kind words
