Awaiting response

Yes, I have read it several times.

It contains many fine sentiments and, at a superficial reading, successfully expresses a vision that many Waihekeans hold.

However, I find it a disturbing document in parts due to the role played by Auckland City in its formulation.  For example, one of its principles says that, \"Strong communities will emerge ....[as a result of Council action of some kind]\".  This is arrogant nonsense!  Waiheke had a strong community long before Auckland City came on the scene.  The failure to acknowledge the pre-existing strengths of Waiheke, conveys the view that Waiheke was a blank canvas until Auckland City came along and created it.  What is more disturbing, I find, is that many Council officers actually think like this.

For me, it gives a very good impression but, sadly, is open to different interpretations.  I would like to see a stronger document, more grounded in the real experience of Waiheke.

Awaiting response

My vision is for an island that \"grows in its own image\".  That is, we develop new and better ways of doing things, but based on local knowledge and aspirations, and we do this in harmony with our natural environment.

The environmental regeneration project, that has been going on for thirty years or more, is very impressive.  There are a lot of people involved and they work together so that now we not only have native plants and trees regenerating here, but wildlife is beginning to return. We all need to work to support this by controlling weeds and pests throughout the island.

As far as our community is concerned we must feel more empowered from within ourselves, and utterly reject the Auckland City argument that we are some sort of cost on them. Many people on the island rely upon income from visitors but we must achieve this in our own way and according to our own values.  We are first and foremost an island known for its wonderful environment, and then for its arts and culture.  We should be proud of these things and find ways to nurture them.

We should also be experimental in addressing some of the larger problems faced by the whole planet, for these will affect future generations and we have a responsibility to them to begin the process of addressing their future problems.

Recognition as Unesco Biosphere Reserve is, to me, very important but it is a means to an end.  That end is an island dedicated to sustainable development, where the essential elements of our environment and community are protected for future generations. 

 - Colin Beardon 

Awaiting response

The founding principle of Unesco Biosphere Reserves is \'sustainable development\' - but maybe your question is more about \'development\' as \'building\'?

Whilst clearly in favour of sustainable building practices, I am aware that at a recent meeting many local people raised the question of affordable housing.  There is a perceived tension between the desire for sustainable building practices and the possible cost of them, which could raise the cost of housing for the most vulnerable people.

This issue needs to be addressed, and I don\'t have the expertise to do it.  I would like to see those with expert knowlewdge in both fields come together and make a recommendation to the new Board that would represent a broad housing/building policy.

 - Colin Beardon

Awaiting response

I campaigned, along with a lot of other Waihekeans, to keep the waste contract with Cleanstream.  Control over our own waste and recycling activities is central, in my thinking, to developing a local culture of respect for the environment and our relationship to it.  It is not just an economic argument.

The Unesco Biosphere Reserve proposal requires us to act more responsibly towards our environment and, particularly, to look at the way we run our lives to reduce the impact that has on the natural environment.  The waste issue is a central part of that.  It also has implications for local employment.

If anything can be done to terminate the contract with TPI, I would be in favour of the Board doing what it can to support that.

 - Colin Beardon

Awaiting response

The Waiheke Unesco Biosphere Reserve proposal is all about biodiversity.  The core area of any biosphere reserve is an area dedicated to biodiversity.  Following discussions with key people on the Island, this would seem to be Whakanewha through to the Forest & Bird Reserve at Onetangi, but also westward to Te Mataku and the Goodwin Ave reserve.

Surrounding this core area is the whole of the western end of the island.  The best way to support biodiversity, I hav ebeen told, is to support the various weed and pest control programmes in this \'buffer zone\'.  If resources are available, this is probably where they should be directed at present.

My active advocacy for the Biosphere Reserve is the best way, I beleive, that the Local Board can add its support to the biodiversity work currently under way on the Island.

As in all things, I believe in first consulting those with expert knowledge and then identifying a constructive project for the immediate future.

 - Colin Beardon