On May 9, many of us will celebrate our mothers, those who have acted as our mothers and those of us who are mothers ourselves will hope to be ‘treated’ for the day.
For some people, Mother’s Day can also be a painful time. I recognise that many have not been able to see their mothers since the pre-pandemic era and have had to embrace new ways to stay connected. Some no longer have their mothers.
However, the role that mothers, grandmothers and if one is fortunate, great-grandmothers, play in supporting children to reach their full potential can never be understated. My mother and her family were instrumental in encouraging me to be the best I could be. In particular, her support of my political career was immense, and I feel incredibly grateful to continue to benefit from her guidance today.
I’d also like to make special mention of working mothers everywhere. I know from experience that it’s not easy to balance the demands of motherhood and employment. I do wonder however whether council should continue to own and manage childcare facilities. Is this core council business? I’m not saying those childcare services shouldn’t remain, but should the ratepayer be funding them? That is being reviewed as part of our latest operating model assessment, which includes evaluating over 130 services the council currently provides and, where appropriate, considering if there’s still a need for them or if there’s a different way of delivering them.
We will also shortly commemorate ANZAC Day, which for me is always a special time for reflection and remembrance. This year’s theme of ‘Women in Service – Service and Sacrifice’ is of particular significance as it recognises the often overlooked contribution of New Zealand’s women to the war effort.
While women in 1915 did not have the opportunity to be at the forefront of conflicts, they were involved in many other ways.
Women working in medical professions made vital contributions and often witnessed similar traumas to those on the front lines.
Last year’s ANZAC Day fell in the midst of the nationwide alert level four lockdown and we were forced to adapt to ensure the safety of those taking part. Along with my family, I proudly stood at my gate at dawn to remember those who had been lost. This year, I’m grateful that while things aren’t completely ‘back to normal’, we are able to gather safely. There is something particularly moving about being part of a crowd of fellow New Zealanders connected by our solidarity and shared loss. I plan to attend the dawn service at the Museum and later speak and lay a wreath at the ANZAC event in Newmarket.
Finally, an update on Waitaramoa Hobson Bay. Council’s Safe Networks investigative team have been continuing to identify incorrectly connected drainage - cross-connections and other issues which cause wastewater contamination of dry weather stormwater flows into the bay.
I was able to secure funding to ensure a dedicated investigative team has been focused on Hobson Bay since March. Watercare are also assigning a full-time Hobson Bay project manager to work closely with the investigative team, and best direct their resources. While this is great news, it’s important we keep the momentum going until we have resolved, via our 10-Year Recovery Budget, the more serious issues of water quality in our community.