Rahman aims for neighbourhood feeling

Food and drink are ideal to socialise over – so much so, that East Ward candidate Anjum Rahman wants to see neighbours get together for coffee and dinner to create a sense of community.

Rahman, who is a mother of two and a chartered accountant, believes people have become isolated from their neighbours and wants to see a sense of community in Hamilton.

“I think that’s really sad and I think we need to bring back that neighbourhood feeling into our communities,” Rahman said.

Rahman wants Hamilton to follow a Melbourne city initiative where residents invite their neighbours over for dinner with sponsorship from local businesses.

“You either invite your neighbours to your house or a park, or the business provides free coffee for the street. In many of the poorer households, it’s not really an option to invite people over, and in areas where there is tension, it gets people meeting each other and talking to each other,” she said.

“It increases the level of support people provide to each other. To me, it’s a small investment and if you partner with a business, they spend $80 a time.”

She also wants to see the use of the city’s parks increase, by creating a place where communities come together for events.

“I want to see young people performing in their local parks, and if you have an organisation such as Creative Waikato sponsoring or mentoring them, then the young people have to actually rehearse, and maybe do a bit of fundraising as well.”

She thinks an event like this could be put on for about $1500 and hopes it would bring everyone around that park to a place where they can meet other members of their community.

“The kids are doing something useful and get a sense of achievement and know that their city values them,” she said.

She agrees that it is a small project, but sees it as beneficial for communities.

Also with plans for developing parks and playgrounds is Councillor Margaret Forsyth who is already on a playground working group which has been looking at the location and types of playgrounds.

“The key is to take a whole of city approach and do what’s best for the city. Having said this, yes there are gaps in the north that need addressing and I’m looking forward to continuing to work in this area,” she said.

Other issues in the north of the city include a lack of sign posting, according to East Ward candidate Adrienne Hagan.

“I’ve noticed that there was no sign to a playground/park from the main Road (St James end) of Thomas Road that I did find up the top of Hawkridge Drive. I think it must connect to the development from Borman Road. I didn’t know it was there – probably many residents do not either,” Hagan said.

Hamilton residents can vote for the candidates they want to represent their ward in the council before voting closes on October 12.