Community Board update
As we go into May of 2020, we realise we are currently living in a time that none of us would have ever imagined happening in our lifetime. We have just come out of four and a half weeks of level 4 lockdown. This was to keep us safe and alive. Level 3 is to maintain that and help keep the virus out.
There are many in the community that have not been able to work and others, like myself, have had to find a different way of working from home. There are those of us in our community who are hurting financially and emotionally from COVID 19.
It may be hard to comprehend the enormity of what may have happened for us, as our Prime Minister locked us down quickly before the virus had taken hold. We are looking like the first country in the world to have possibly eradicated the virus. I have family and friends all over the world as many of us do. Through family and friends from overseas, many of us have heard the horror stories of what is happening elsewhere in the world. Some of us may well know of someone who has died elsewhere or even here in NZ from the virus. For those who have, our thoughts go out to them.
During these difficult and unprecedented times, we as a community have been able to come together in a way that is positive. Here in Ōmokoroa, there has been a wonderful response to the crisis and a sense of community spirit that warms the heart.
One of the groups that has arisen out of this crisis is “In This Together”. The group has been able to enlist a group of volunteers that have been able to help our vulnerable and isolated.
“In This Together” worked closely with Steve Ling of Fresh Choice at the beginning to ensure that those in need received the help they required. A big thank you must go out to Steve and his staff for all the work they have done. Comments have been made at how helpful and gracious both Steve and his staff have been. Thank you, guys!
As a community, we have embraced the outdoors, I have seen many more bicycles and feet pass by my house during the last four weeks. There are people saying hello and acknowledging others as they pass. I know my horse has had many more visitors to say hello at our gate.
I have heard that there has been more home baking and shared family dinners.
I am aware that while some children are happy to be off school, and many are waiting eagerly to go back, to meet their friends and get back to what life was like before.
As we move forward, I ask as a community that we support our local businesses as much as we can.
As a Community Board, we are still working hard for our community and while we were not able to have our Community Board meeting in April, work has still been going on behind the scenes as many of us have been using technology to connect and continue to work. Our next Community Board meeting is scheduled for 9th June.
The Council is currently looking at the long-term plan. It was unfortunate that the community interaction days were cancelled due to Covid 19. However, you can go online and have your say in regard to the long term plan. Visit haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz to place your feedback. This is your community, So, have your say!