Episode 8: Massey Matters team
Since August 2019 we’ve heard from Massey locals about their background in Massey, what they love about the area and what they think could be better. As the year draws to a close, we decided to come out from behind the camera and share our own thoughts on our suburb.,,,
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN MASSEY?
VINETTA
My name is Vinetta Pierce. I'm the manager here at Massey Matters. I grew up mainly in Massey, I went to Massey Primary and Massey High.
CRAIG
I'm Craig, I'm the Community Activator at Massey Matters. I grew up in Massey, I went to primary school at Lincoln Heights and after I finished high school I came back to Massey.
Since then I've lived all over Auckland, I've lived in Wellington and also in Melbourne, but when I started a family we ended up back here in Massey.
WILLIAM
Hi I'm William Howling and I'm the Youth Coordinator here at Massey Matters.
ADORATE
My name is Adorate, and I am the Massey Community Hub Manager.
So, I have family that live in Massey - cousins, aunties and uncles - but other than that I grew up on the North Shore. Working in Massey is pretty new for me, and it was really exciting to start and learn about the community.
PEARL
I'm Pearl, I'm the Community Hub Assistant.
DEBBIE Hi I'm Debbie. I've been a West Auckland resident for over 40 years - and part of the Massey Matters team since November last year - and I look after the accounts.
TINA
My name’s Tina and I work at the Manutewhau Hub, I'm the Administrator.
When I came out to Massey I was pregnant with my first child. I just stayed out here. This is where I reside now, this is our home.
MONIQUE
I'm Monique and I'm the Manager of the Manutewhau Community Hub.
We moved out to Massey when I had my first son, who is now 10. We're currently in Te Atatu Peninsula but we spent the first two years of his life in Massey.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MASSEY?
VINETTA
Green space - there's lots of places to go for a walk, in the bush, we've got streams that you can walk near.
And the other thing - and Its probably something people say a lot; the people. I find them really friendly, really open, willing to help.
ADORATE
My favourite thing about Massey, I think, is just the vibe and the feeling of the area. I feel like it's really relaxed.
People don't take themselves too seriously - people are quite friendly and open to have a chat.
WILLIAM
What I've enjoyed about Massey is the diversity of people in Massey, and I think just the amount of talent that kids have in Massey - which is not only in sports, but in dance, in the creative arts sector - I think its really cool.
PEARL
Can I do a shout-out? I'd like to do a shout-out to a couple of schools.
Te Maungarongo - the kaiakos there - and also to Royal Road - shout-out to them - and Massey High School as well.
CRAIG
For me, Massey is really easy. It's easy to get stuff here and it's really easy to get around this area. Everything you need is kind of here.
DEBBIE
The nicest thing about Massey is it's location - in terms of how easy it is to get to beautiful parks, beaches, the shops.
It is, you know, pretty central - you don't have to go out of your way too far.
TINA
I sort of relate to everyone. People, the community - I can relate to them.
MONIQUE
So I love the people in Massey - it's very diverse with all types of people who come into the Hub.
They're always very open about what their passions are and what they'd like to see in the community.
WHAT COULD MAKE MASSEY EVEN BETTER?
ADORATE
I would like to see more community spaces for Massey. So, little upgrades on the parks and playgrounds and things.
Because you do see people out and about and are using certain facilities and things that are free to them. But it would be nice to be able to add a bit of sparkle and brighten them up - really make them attractive and fun places for people - more people to come and hang out.
WILLIAM
I think that something that we could look at opening up or creating is a Youth Space. Instead of hanging out on the streets, it's a place for them to come and be kids - a space where kids what to be at.
DEBBIE
I think the public transport is not great, and it does need to be improved so that the access to those parks, the malls and things, is a lot easier for the wider Massey area.
TINA
I think that I hope for more opportunity for everyone.
CRAIG
One thing that I think could be better about Massey is - I guess just the pride that people have in this area.
A lot of people really love the area, but a lot of people are really quick to put it down as well. And I think that this area just has so much going for it - so much cool stuff going on - it just does not get acknowledged day-to-day.
Being able to turn that around - I think - would be a positive.
MONIQUE
A gap that I see is people not realising that they can make a difference in their own community - with what they already have. Whether it's their passion, or skills - or just showing up and being there.
Come in - just have a chat to me or Tina and we can talk through some of the opportunities that are here. Or if they want to create something that they're really inspired by we can create a space for that.
VINETTA If we put on events, or ask for feedback - if we could get more feedback that would be helpful.
Because that then helps us shape what we do next - to make sure that, really, that what we're delivering in the community is what the community wants and needs.
