Life beside the seaside

What do you like best about living in Mt Roskill?

I guess the geography. We live on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, we have done for 30 years. It’s a stunningly beautiful place to live. We look out on the harbour, the bushline, and over to One Tree Hill. As a cyclist I like how well connected we are by off-road cycleways. I can almost get to Pakuranga off-road and soon, with the Waterview Connection, we’ll be able to get out west to Massey completely off-road. We’re also blessed with our open spaces. And the cultural diversity – it brings a real richness of food and events. How long have you lived here and where are you originally from? I’m from Wellington. We lived in Europe for a few years and returned at the

beginning of 1982. What do you like least and how can we fix it?

Traffic congestion. I think if people had better transport choices it would improve the quality of life for everyone. They are coming, the first electric trains will be running soon. Where’s the best place to buy dinner in Mt Roskill?

Cafe Abyssinia on Stoddard Rd. It does Ethiopian food. Next would be Bluebells Cakery on Hillsborough Rd. And who does the best fish’ n chips?

Our local takeaway.

Hillsborough Who is the Kiwi you admire the most — and why?

Lorde. She chose my son to

drum for her. If I was Auckland’s mayor I’d . . .

Pretty much do the same as the current mayor is. I might spend a bit less on roads and I would be looking closely at the relationships between council and the council controlled organisations to tighten up. When I’ve got a free few hours I like to . . .

Spend time with my grandson. The spot in Mt Roskill I’d recommend to tourists is . . .

Walking along the Manukau foreshore.