This month’s newsletter blends bold advocacy with moving farewells—showing the strength of our community in both vision and heart.
Guest speaker Niall Robertson from the Public Transport Users Association delivered a passionate case for better rail in Auckland. From WWII’s 120 million tram boardings to today’s motorway gridlock, he argued that transport is about more than travel—it’s about equity, environment, and health. Shocking facts included tyre wear producing 2,000 times more particulates than modern exhausts, and the average person inhaling a credit card’s worth of microplastics each year. Niall’s message: Rail is vital for a healthier, fairer future.
We also said goodbye to Anne Verry, honoured in a packed service at St Andrew’s Henderson. Her grace, courage, and community spirit were celebrated—most movingly through Ben Makisi’s stirring rendition of Time to Say Goodbye.
Also in this edition: a lively joint coffee morning with the Waitakere Combined Rebus Club at Kings Plant Barn, a surprise reunion for Vince Middeldorp after 54 years, and President Bill Mutch’s health update as he approaches his 84th birthday with characteristic grit.
Coming up: a classic film and lunch at Ryders Cinema—Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.
August’s edition is rich in reflection, action, and connection.
