• Norma Bott and Debbie Dunsford beside the Jeff Thomson sculptures in the Milford town square.

A friendly chat with Debbie and Norma

Of Milford Residents Association

Over the years I have come into contact with some great community organisations while publishing this fine magazine and with my company Benefitz assisting people with projects and events. I am now also working with many of these same people in my new local board leadership role – as a short-term politician. One such organisation is the Milford Residents Association, run by the passionate duo of Debbie Dunsford and Norma Bott.

Norma Bott was involved in the Milford Residents Association back in the 90s. It went into a hiatus for a period through until 2008, when it was re-registered due to the scale of the proposed residential development on the Milford Mall site.

“The mall owners were proposing a development that was up to 58 metres high and that was of great concern to local residents.” explained Debbie Dunsford. “The maximum allowed at that time was 24.5 metres. So, with Peter Carter, we re-registered the Milford Residents Association and set about representing the community to ensure they had a voice in moderating things.”

Norma and Debbie say that led to the association playing a wider role in the community. They have gone on to provide leadership on a range of positive things for the Milford area. Such projects as the development of the town square with Jeff Thomson’s sculpture pieces and also highlighting the rich heritage of the area. They are always in the thick of the action during market days and special events in Milford.

“We are lucky that we have had some great people working with us,” added Norma Bott. “Peter Carter designed the new square and played a big part in the commissioning of the Jeff Thompson sculptures. Then Murray Hill and the Milford Business Association came in behind and really got locals to buy in to the project.”

“Milford has a proud heritage and we have loved the work we have done in highlighting that with displays of the old photos and telling the stories and getting involved in the Heritage Week and other related activity.”

The Milford Residents Association is funded by members, all Milford residents. The paying membership is just under 120. From time to time they also have fundraising events.

Communication is a key part of what the Milford Residents Association is all about. Getting residents involved by keeping them informed. And they do it well. They have close to 400 followers on Facebook and have their Facebook page – Milford Locals – with 180 local people being members of that. It is a hive of information for locals.

So what are the challenges for the MRA?

“Getting younger people involved,” said Norma Bott. “We are very keen to engage with the younger folk in our community and get them involved with the MRA. The reality is it is often those only at a certain time in life who have the time to do what Debbie and I do. Our committee are all 60-plus and most members are 40-50 plus. There is a challenge for us to involve younger people and our ethnic communities as well. It is a focus and will result in an injection of new ideas and topics, which we need. They will also be able to help us with the tech stuff that we are not so good at!”

Debbie and Norma say they always feel like they are fighting battles. Such things like transport issues as well as ensuring proposed development is in keeping with the area. But they are also involved in advocating and facilitating new and improved community facilities.

“Council and the local board are always getting in touch to get our feedback which we appreciate,” added Debbie Dunsford. “We have played a part in the new toilet block, the courts and childrens playground at Milford reserve by the marina and the beach. And recently with the new artwork celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage by artist Lang Ea, which was installed during March.”

“In recent times we have also embraced the North Shore Birdsong Project,” added Norma Bott. “This is an environmental initiative being coordinated by Fiona Martin and the Takapuna North Community Trust.”

The North Shore Birdsong Project is in response to the Government’s goal of ‘Predator Free 2050’ aim to remove stoats, rats and possums by 2050. It is a pest free and restoration plan which has been created by the Takapuna North Environmental Network convening group to work towards playing a part in saving our native flora, fauna and ecosystems. The group are dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging and supporting local action in ecological restoration, including pest management. The MRA is involved in helping them get their predator traps around the area – the perimeter of the Wairau Creek, in Brian Burns Reserve, around Lake Pupuke and also in residential properties.

“We see water quality as a very important issue for our area,” said Debbie Dunsford. “The Wairau Estuary – as has been highlighted with the Milford WEEPS campaign – and also Lake Pupuke. Also pests and weeds, which are being addressed by the North Shore Birdsong Project that we are working with.”

It is clear that the Milford Residents Association’s reach is wide. They are keen on general ongoing improvement for Milford. Making sure Milford is getting its fair share.

A project they are keen to see come to fruition is the Milford Boardwalk, the building of a boardwalk through the Wairau/Milford Creek to link the town centre with the marina and the beach. When built this will be very popular with locals and visitors alike. The project is in development stage with funding yet to be secured.

One thing is for sure Norma and Debbie know how to keep their local board members honest. I really loved the 45 minute chat – it was friendly but firm – and I came away well aware of what they wanted from this short-term politician. I look forward to delivering as much as I can!

I urge Milford residents of all ages to get involved in the great work of their residents association. Become members. Hopefully we have laid the challenge down to the younger folk in the area as well as a result of this article – Norma and Debbie are keen for you to get involved.


For more information on the Milford Residents Association visit: www.milford.org.nz