Local community action

Vibrant communities

There’s a new worldwide trend for people to become more involved at a local level, and as Mayor I'll help foster better engagement with our communities.

The Council already makes grants, operates community centres and libraries and supports local festivals. There are very cost-effective ways of increasing people’s independence and involvement in their local communities, such as Community gardens and orchards, supported with a revitalised Wellington Community Net which has been under threat from the current administration. Growing, mending, and community potluck dinners are effective ways of reducing the costs of everyday living for families of all sizes.

Not-for-profit housing organisations outside Council also need our support. Sweat equity, Habitat for Humanity, there are many examples of volunteer groups doing fantastic work across the city. I initiated the Environmental Grants in the 90s and we now have many groups where just the price of a few spades, leaflets or potting mix makes a huge difference. These are examples of some of the simple, cost-effective steps that can revitalise our neighbourhoods.

Supporting the community to help themselves for civil defence, street safety, local art, up-cycling pre-loved clothes into sustainable fashion or walking school buses are all part of making Wellington more liveable. Listening to community wisdom, celebrating local volunteers and learning from the people of Wellington are all part of my vision as Mayor.

A good word has been coined for doing more locally – glocalisation. Let’s make it part of our vocabulary as we reconnect with our neighbours and restore our sense of place.