Kelly Barratt believes we should nurture the diverse and unique vibe of Petone, its culture, foreshore and historical features. Kelley Barratt can be contacted at email: or on phone
By Chrys Ayley
Kelly Barratt talks to senior journalist Chrys Ayley about her work as a member of the Petone Community Board and her association with Petone. Kelly Barratt and her husband Tristan have lived in Petone for 11 years and bought their first home, a 1920s railway house, five years ago. Her association with Petone, however, goes further back than that as her grandparents raised their three children in Petone and owned and managed an old dairy on the corner of Tama Street for?25 years. This is Ms Barratt?s first time on the Board and she says she would love to see more community engagement and participation and hear about what could be improved. ?I see and hear about so many of the younger generation?today not wanting to vote or even have a voice when changes are been implemented around?them, changes that could affect them and their families future. ?I believe there's always room for improvement and a simple idea can spark a plan.? There is a need for more people in the community to speak up, and Ms Barratt says she finds it makes her job more difficult when a decision requires community input but?few people are?prepared to offer their comments. It is important the Community Board receives feedback, good and bad and from all walks of life, she says. Showing up at a Board meeting can be scary but the Board members are there to listen and can also be contacted?outside this formal environment, so do not hesitate to call them. Some of the key issues she would like to see addressed are the McKenzie Pool options, an issue that is close to many local residents.? ?I sit on this working group myself and?we are currently working through the options, unfortunately there are many factors to consider and this takes time and specialist input,?but?I am keen to see this progress.? The cycleway from Petone into Wellington is a great concept and move towards a more sustainable future, she says. The other key issue is policing of the new liquor ban and creating a safer place to live and play. Ms Barratt enjoys her work as a team leader in the insurance industry and when asked how she copes with so many demands on her time says she relies very much on modern technology such as mobile phones, emails and message services. Working during the day means she has to make an extra effort to stay in touch with people?to?build and maintain good working relationships..
