From the editor: Crunch time for services

A common theme emerging this local body election year is the reduction of services. We’re
seeing this at both a national and local level, with ongoing cost-cutting across the board.

The future of the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Waiuku remains up in the air, and in these past few weeks, we’ve seen charities like Well Women issue an urgent cry for funding.

In June, we ran an article on our website about Life Education Trust Counties Manukau, asking the public for support. The organisation helps Kiwi schoolchildren deal with major issues including mental health, obesity, bullying, and vaping.

On a regional level, we’re constantly seeing issues with roading. Flooding, cyclones, and other weather events are putting our roading networks under extra pressure when funding is tight.

There’s also the never-ending war on potholes. On a happier note, it’s been great to see the repairs around the Awhitu Peninsula take shape, along with the well-overdue resurfacing on Waiuku Road.

Newspaper-wise, we’ve had a great response to our monthly Community Hero award. Thanks to Little Ed Pukekohe, who generously provides the $100 prize each month. Given the number of nominations, we have decided to make the prize $50 and award two Community Heroes each month. One will appear in the monthly newspaper, and the other will be shown in our mid-month newsletter. Be sure to sign up as a subscriber so you don’t miss out!

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Keep up the support!