Town centre renaissance is needed

Paul Hollings, 56, is the executive dean of Engineering & Trades at the Manukau Institute of Technology. He is from Weymouth.

This is two pronged but one relates to the other; I don’t like the way the media report negative events by saying ‘in South Auckland.’

If the same event were to happen on the North Shore they would say in Beach Haven or Albany, but in the case of South Auckland you seldom hear them say Papakura or Botany.

The media regularly generalise, which paints all of South

Auckland negatively in the eyes of the country.

Related to this is the problem we have with our local folk - particularly the younger ones - not backing themselves when they have so much potential and talent.

Why would they when they are all lumped together as South Aucklanders where all the problems are?

The media needs to treat all of Auckland the same and report with an even hand both good and bad alike, yes there are issues but they are in every community.

There is so much potential and youth here, and Auckland as it grows needs both these things.

Where’s the best place to buy dinner in the South?

At the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club you are hard pressed to beat it for quality and value. Outside of that, I recommend Canopius in Papakura.

And who does the best fish n’ chips?

Weymouth Takeaways, (it’s our local) but there is also Bunters Takeaways in the Gardens on Hill Road.

Who is the Kiwi you admire most - and why?

Politics aside, it’d have to be John Key. The man has done well, he’s worked hard, taken opportunities and is very successful.

I subscribe to the idea that, ‘‘to who much is given much will be required’’ and in my opinion he has embodied that.

After doing well in business he entered parliament and has tried hard to help New Zealanders understand their potential as a nation.

Empower the Community Boards to revive the traditional town centres.

I look forward to a day when the Papakuras, Manurewas and Papatoetoes are really seen as town centres again, where there are more than $2 shops and vibrant food scenes befitting the diversity of the local communities.

Yes there will always be the major CBD and the big malls but a real town centre renaissance is what is needed too. Why should Parnell and Ponsonby have all the fun?

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to others, particularly young people?

Work hard, back yourself at school, get some training either at a Polytech and or through an apprenticeship and really own your potential.

Be prepared to look the world in the eye and say ‘‘yes I can’’ and then give it all you’ve got.

What’s one trial or struggle that you’ve overcome?

As a kid, I was quite shy but joined the Army as a 16-year-old and have, once I realised the secret of backing yourself, never really looked back.

When I’ve got a free few hours I like to...

Take a walk. We are lucky living at Weymouth, as the beach along the harbour is great for a walk.

I like to do a little photography and couple that together with my walk.

The spot in South Auckland I’d recommend to tourists is…

Auckland Botanic Gardens is a beautiful spot for a walk.