Reigniting Community in
Waitematā
Kia ora! My name is Taylor, I am a PhD candidate and long-term Auckland resident (currently living in Grafton) passionate about people and connection. Over the past four years, I have researched community development across Aotearoa New Zealand, leading me to become increasingly concerned about the social fabric of our cities and towns. As young people continue to leave for greener pastures, and community sentiment slowly unravels, there is no better time than the present to pursue solutions.
Having grown tired of watching from the sidelines, I am running as an independent for the Waitematā Local Board to help reignite civic engagement and promote social cohesion.
Civic Engagement
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Social Cohesion
People are to cities what engines are to cars; without people, a city is but an empty husk, an ensemble of bricks and concrete. The health of a city can thus be equated to the health of its residents and communities. A vibrant and flourishing city demands consistent engagement, interest, and innovation. If people are not connected to their city or those who occupy it, why would they care about its future? If Auckland is to maintain its status as a ‘global city’, we can no longer afford to have social cohesion and civic engagement as nice-to-haves, nor take community for granted as a given. We need to proactively pursue and cultivate them.
Check out my campaign video
shorter VERSION
My Vision for Waitematā
1
Research
The board requires a streamlined process for collecting qualitative and quantitative data on the needs and interests of Waitematā residents. This would ensure decision-making is informed by current empirical evidence, rather than relying on the vocal minority or external data that lacks contextual relevance.
2
Relevance
As human connectivity continues to shift and evolve, actions are required to maintain Auckland's relevance as a place to gather, interact and socialise. Waitematā, as a key hub for the city, needs to develop more opportunities for people to pursue their interests locally and with others, creating an inviting place to live, raise a family, and do business.