Geoff Hayward, Porirua City Council's new Western Ward Councillor.
One of Porirua's new Councillors, Geoff Hayward, says when his Titahi Bay home nearly flooded two years ago it was the neighbours who cleared the drains on the road before things got a lot worse.
“We didn't wait for help, we just did it because we're all on the same team. But this highlighted for me the real consequences if we don't invest adequately in our city.
“My partner Caroline and I are proud to live in Titahi Bay and blessed to know many of our neighbours, who all bring different backgrounds and passions to our neighbourhood."
His vision for Porirua is that it's a city that thrives for everyone.
“To me this means roads that can handle the traffic, families that feel safe to send the kids outside to play, a natural environment that's in good shape and ready for the future, and a city centre that is vibrant and busy. I want a city where all of our residents can participate and succeed."
Geoff is a former co-chair of the Titahi Bay Beach Festival.
“I'm passionate about this celebration of our beautiful place and our community spirit. Each year I am stunned by the thousands of people who come to experience the Bay and beach, many of them Porirua locals like me, proud to live here.
He was also Secretary of the Titahi Bay Community Group.
“I'm proud that our community worked together to secure a commitment from the Council to put aside money to make sure that the road going in and out of the Bay is repaired, and that a shared pathway is completed. More work must be done by the Council and I look forward to working to bring this to fruition."
Three generations of Geoff's whānau, including his father, are veterans. He says he was honoured to acknowledge their service as the MC for this year's Anzac Day ceremony on the beach.
As a board member at Te Ara Moana, he also helps kids in local schools learn how to build their confidence, both on and off the water.
“I am honoured to have been elected to Council and look forward to representing Titahi Rangituhi Porirua Ki Te Uru/ Western Ward over the next three years. Our community has already done great things and shown where it needs council to step up. I'm excited to take on the challenge."
4 Nov 2019
