What’s your legacy?

Over the past fortnight, I had the privilege of celebrating the 100Th birthday of Reverend David Barnes ONZM – a man whose life has been dedicated to service, community, and making a difference. Reverend David’s legacy is one of action, serving the Tuakau community. His 100th birthday served as a timely reminder that the impact we leave behind isn’t all about grand gestures, but about the small, consistent contributions that shape the places we live.   

Well-known throughout the community, Rev David is a life member of the Tuakau Rugby Club and a delegate of Counties Rugby. There is a building block at Tuakau College named after him and he was also on the Board of Trustees at Tuakau College. He was a delegate on the local community board and was chairman of Keep Tuakau Beautiful.  

Most of his work has been voluntary. Rev David and his wife, Olive Elizabeth, used to get up early in the morning to pick up rubbish, and they also removed graffiti and patrolled the streets. He organised an Anzac Day parade for many years and took pride in celebrating his community.  

A question worth asking ourselves – what legacy are we building? This is especially important for our young people stepping into the workforce through Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs. This is a nationwide network of Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people under 25 being engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities. 

We are here for our young people, ready and primed to support them to step into a trade, join a local business or build their confidence as future leaders. The choices they make now will help shape the future of our district. Their energy, ideas, and mahi will define the communities we leave for the next generation.  

Legacy is also at the heart of the big conversations we’re having about the future of our roading, waters and more as part of our Long-Term Plan (LTP). The decisions made through public consultation and council adoption of LTP impact the residents and businesses across our district, now and for many years. At a recent Rotary Club event with Hamilton City Council’s Mayor Paula Southgate, we discussed the proposed Council-Controlled Organisation for waters. It’s about making smart, future-focussed decisions in partnership so that we leave behind strong, sustainable infrastructure that serves our communities for lifetimes.  

Every action we take – whether in our careers and businesses, for our communities, or like myself and your councillors, as a council – are all contributing to the Waikato of tomorrow. So, the question is: what do we want that to look like? And what will your legacy be?  

Ngaa mihi and kind regards 

Mayor Jacqui