The Last Post

Hi everyone

Yesterday the results for Waitakere Ranges Local Board came out - for the record, I was not among the chosen few.

Thanks for checking out this blog and to all those who've taken an interest in any way, shape or form.

Til next time!

Cheers, C.

Waitakere Ranges - enough said!

And now the end is nigh ...

And now the end is nigh ... on a couple of different levels:

- these are the final days for Waitakere City as a geo-political entity (but not for the westie spirit!);

- these are also the final days of the campaign for local government elections 2010.

However things play out in the coming weeks, months and years, if good people get involved at all levels (from elected office to just voting once a term) then we'll do just fine.

Thanks for taking an interest - and thanks for voting! :-D

People and Place defining local identity in the West

Thanks for checking out my campaign blog!

As I write, there is exactly one week til the polls close. 21.5% of our Waitakere sisters and brothers have voted ... so I'd encourage you to join their ranks!

I've been posting some links to my facebook page (it's at /christopherpenk), which highlight some challenges and opportunities - as well as great work already been done - in West Auckland.

One theme that seems to be emerging is that our local identity is defined by our people and places, rather than any political structures, politicians or politics in general.

Now please help define it by voting for those who will represent what matters to you!

Q. who will you vote for? A. phone a friend ...

Today I got a phone call from a lady who (also) lives in Glen Eden. She had some interesting thoughts about life in the area over the past 4 decades and took the trouble to ring me up (having looked up my somewhat distinctive surname in the phone book).

Did you know that Glen Eden used to have three supermarkets? Neither did I.

She said she wouldn't vote for anyone unless she'd spoken to them ... so I hope she enjoyed our 20-min chat!

Waitakere - people and places - "I'll listen"

If you live in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area (see below), I'd LOVE your vote.

In Waitakere, our people and places need protecting. And your voice deserves to be heard.

I'll listen.

Past, Present, Future - time to vote!

Thanks for checking out my campaign blog! I guess if you're reading this (and clearly you are) then you'll have seen the link on my card.

Voting papers for this local government election have now hit the streets, so it's time to vote!

I'd encourage you to give your vote to candidates that seem most willing to listen to you, whichever you decide those ones to be.

My own vote won't be going to those intent on emphasising how long they've been in the business of local government. Some of those candidates seem content to rest on the laurels of supposed past glories ... and certainly don't acknowledge the value of bringing some fresh thinking and new ideas to the table.

However you cast your vote, thanks for taking part in our great democratic process.