Fingers of 'fill' push out into the Manukau Harbour.

I drive past the big machinery everyday alongside the South Western motorway, more often than not, four times as I take Perdy for her daily walk/manic run. I am excited by the progress and I can’t wait to see the completed $30 million worth of beaches and parks.

Onehunga has long been the poor cousin when it comes to spending money on its ‘lost beaches.’ That is all changing as the trucks and heavy machinery are pushing out into the sea and the shape of things to come emerges.

My only worries are that the ‘dogs’ have access (yes even if it is restricted, much like what happens on Takapuna Beach during Summer time hours and that the water quality allows for safe swimming. My research tells me that the Manukau Harbour is safe enough these days, except after it has rained heavily. Is this not the same on the Waitemata beaches, especially on the North Shore?

Keep up the good work, contractors and we shall all benefit from a rejuvenated Onehunga Foreshore.

It's a start, but a good start.

We are not winning the war on 'P' (Methamthetamine) in New Zealand!

I had been led to believe that New Zealand was winning the ‘war on ‘P’ but apparently my understanding is wrong, according to a confidential Police report that is now public. I had thought that efficient policing combined with an attitudinal change has been instrumental in this scourge on our society waning. Sadly, it seems my perceptions are based on inaccurate reports I have been reading in the news media.

If anyone knows the truth I think that it would be the police. Day after day they are observers of our society as well as guardians for the safety of our nation. The police are not seeing a drop in the use of ‘P,’ despite their efforts to curtail this evil drug. Families are still being torn apart, business put at risk and our young people are still being enticed into this ‘dark world.’ ‘P’ figures as a contributing factor for many of the burglaries and other crimes that beset every corner of our country.

The late Sir Paul Holmes was a tireless fighter in the battle against ‘P.’ I had been meaning to send him a copy of my book, ‘Roskill,’ but I never got around to it. Others need to take up the challenge.  ‘Roskill’ is about a family struggling with the results of a member who has entered the world of ‘P’ and how it self-destructs. It is only when Moana,’ the mum decides to fight back that there is any hope. This could be any family in any country. What would you do if you faced that terrible ‘truth?’

‘Roskill’ is primarily written for teenagers, but parents should read it too. It contains a message of hope and at asks the big question---what would you do?

Go to www.authorneilcoleman.com  to buy your copy or get one from me direct at neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com

 

Support group for 'Bariatric Surgery' people

I have been asked by a few people if I would be interested in starting a support group for people who are going thorugh the same process I am embarking upon. My answer is, yes I will, but I think I need to 'let a little more water go under the bridge first. I feel that although I run groups in my work as a counsellor, I would prefer to experience the 'ups and downs' that I know are just ahead of me. That in turn will give me a deeper understanding of the real world of future 'group members,' and bring a level of empathy to add to the experience I have already gained in groupwork. Read my blogs and I shall keep adding to them. The next stage on my journey is to see the Dietician, followed by my final meeting with the surgeon. Then it's 4 weeks of Optifast before the date with the 'future me.'
PS--If there are people who would like an online support group, I can create a Facebook page too. Let me know.