Youth make up significant proportion of Tawa's population with many families in the area. Providing for youth in the form of support, activites and youth related infrastructure is an important function of the local community and city council.

Approximately 24.5 percent of Central Tawa residents are under the age of 15 years, compared with 18.5 percent in Wellington City. What this shows is that Tawa has a significantly higher percentage of young people than the city and needs to cater for their needs. Events such as the Tawa Schools and Community Music Festival need continuing support and I'd also like to see an artificial turf developed in the area for winter sporting codes.

I'd like to hear from Tawa residents about other initiatives to support Tawa's youth and how I can help. So get your ideas together and make sure you contact me on 021 747 339.

I spent much of Saturday canvassing the views of Johnsonville retailers and residents on the development of the Johnsonville Mall. What was clear was the huge support for the development and the ongoing frustration experienced by all at the past delays. In large part these delays were caused by concerns about the impact a larger mall would have on Wellington CBD's Golden Mile.

I pledge my full and ongoing support to the development of Johnsonville Mall. Its want Johnsonville wants and needs if it is to continue to grow into a commercial hub.

I co-own 3 retail outlets (Kapai) in the CBD and consider the mall development complementary rather than harmful to the CBD's prospects. It is an opportunity for retailers to expand into the Northern suburbs and would draw Northern suburb residents to shop in their own backyard instead of Queensgate and Porirua, which many currently do.

DNZ, co-owner with its Australian joint venture partner, is in the process of listing on the New Zealand stock exchange. Once this process is complete there will be a much clearer picture about when the development might proceed. I will keep you informed the more I learn.

Congratulations to the Glenside Progressive Association for its successful tree planting on Saturday. 173 plants were planted alongside the stream at the Glenside Reserve and will help enhance the area's beauty. The next challenge is to get WCC to carry out its commitment to help preserve the Halfway House in the Reserve.

The Halfway House was built in circa 1885 and was given its name due to its location halfway between Porirua and Wellington. The aim is to preserve the House's heritage and ultimately turn it into a community facility. The surrounding area would become a garden for all Glenside residents and the wider Northern suburbs communities to enjoy.

Driving from Tawa through to Johnsonville, you can't help but think that you're passing through Wellington's forgotten suburbs. Tawa's once proud shopping centre and the Johnsonville Mall eagerly await refurbishment. WCC's Northern Growth Management Framework recognises that Newlands and Churton Park lack a thriving community centre and more often than not the Northern Suburbs residents find themselves heading into town or Queensgate to shop.
 
Over the next few months I want to share my ideas for rejuvenating the Northern ward including a greening of the streets, the addition of colour and arts, and the progressive upgrade of the major shopping and recreations areas to help contribute to vibrant community centres. If you have ideas you would like to contribute then I would like to hear from you. Your opinion matters!

I'd like to announce my candidacy for the Northern ward in the 2010 Wellington City Council elections. I'm looking forward to the campaign and representing ward constituents as best I can. Please feel free to contact me on 021 747 339 if you would like to meet with me, want to discuss an issue dear to you or just want to have a chat.