. . . from the Desk of Rawinia Parata: GDC Councillor
BLOG . . . from the desk of Rawinia Parata: GDC Councillor
When I ran for council I wasn’t entirely sure of what I was getting myself into. I knew I wanted to make change from within, to be able to sit at council table and advocate for the issues that disproportionately affected Maori, minorities and whanau at large. I say whanau and mean it inclusively, all families living within Te Tairawhiti.
I came to council ready and willing to serve, with the help, guidance and expertise of experienced councillors and of course the Gisborne District Council Staff I’m learning the ropes, quickly. What I’ve learned so far is contrary to my original belief. We all want what’s best for the East Coast, it's just that ‘best’ means something different for everyone.
So where am I now?
I am watching the region I love be torn apart by climate change, by back to back weather events, by flooding and erosion. I’m writing this on the first sunny day we’ve had for weeks and it is only now that you can truly appreciate the devastation. The silt dried and cracked through pastures, in backyards, in our drains and all through our communities. We see rivers have changed their paths and eaten more and more of our most productive and arable land. And we see forestry in the firing line yet again.
Tikapa Beach.
Photo credit: Te Runanga nui o Ngati Porou
Photographer: Hilz Kahaki
I’m going to say something very unpopular now, but there are no quick fixes. We did not get here overnight and we will not find sustainable solutions overnight either. It is quite clear that something needs to be done, on that front we all agree, forestry themselves agree. The question now is what?
Tikapa Beach.
Photo credit: Te Runanga nui o Ngati Porou
Photographer: Hilz Kahaki
The reality is that as much as we despise slash blocking our waterways and flooding our homes, 1 in 4 families in Te Tairawhiti is fed by the industry. A balance must be struck, better practices, more regulation and monitoring, more community engagement, and a bigger investment in alternative industries so that we might have diversity within our region.
For now, I am focused on helping our people get prepared. It's clear that the next weather event is coming, the only question is when. Our rural civil defence efforts need to be coordinated, skilled and methodical. As much as possible our whanau need to be prepared.
Through our own struggle we have not forgotten the struggles of others, our thoughts, prayers and goodwill are flung far and wide to Auckland and to Northland.