GUEST BLOG: Vanessa Kururangi – RIP Joy Owens – she lived at 286
Anyone who infers that those from lower socio economic groups can’t achieve incredible things and lead interesting rich lives doesn’t have a “286” mindset.
While we are in the midst of fighting for the rights of tenants, and pushing back against the sell off of State Homes here in Tauranga this thing called life beckons us to take a breath. Sometimes that breath is taken as someone exhales their last.
This morning I drove past number 286 Fraser Street… a simple home amongst state homes in Merivale. I paid it no mind really. I’m just aware that I drive this route every day to work, and I know more or less what part of Merivale its in.
Number 286 blends in with the other homes – basic, unassuming, non-descript. Unlike one of it’s former tenants.
She was vivacious, sharp, determined and force to be reckoned with when she had a vision to be actioned. This morning I heard about the passing of Joy Owens, an outstanding public servant, inspirational grandmother of Mahe Drysdale (he dedicated his Olympic gold medal for single sculls in 2012 to her), and former wife of the late Sir Bob Owens. She is also grandmother to Rose Keddell who earned her defender position in the New Zealand Black Sticks.
Mrs Owens eagle eye for profitable business ventures and investments which enriched our communities earned her her own reputation independant of that of Sir Bob. When it came the the growth and development of Tauranga Moana, she showed enthusiasm in promoting the arts, culture, and had a soft spot for social causes – her humble beginnings at 286 Fraser Street never straying far from her mind. She was an effective Mayoress (1968 – 1977) and was honoured with a Queens Service order in 2006.
This woman was astounding. She simply cared… and it showed. Mrs Owens from number 286 will be fondly remembered by many of us for kindly reasons too many to list. It touched me that she has said that of all the projects she has been involved in, bringing the Merivale Action Centre to fruition was one of her proudest. I go there often. Our parents have meetings here, our tamariki use it as a base for our holiday programmes. We, under the banner of the State Housing Action Network (S.H.A.N) meet in this building and discuss how we can Save Our State Homes.
Now I wonder what Mrs Owens would’ve made of our meetings. I wonder what actions she would have us do. She clearly loved Merivale as much as we do. I wonder what she would have made of the governments intention to sell off state housing in the community she held so dear. Mostly, I wonder how she would’ve stuck it to them, AND what she would say to those making a play to buy them.
Today I hat tip Mrs Joy Owens, for aspiring and inspiring, and for keeping Merivale in her heart.
We will continue pushing back against the sell off of state homes for all those who live in (or want to live in) houses just like number 286 – because we all deserve the chance to achieve beyond the expectations of others AND hail straight from the streets of Merivale.
Vanessa Kururangi is a State House Tenant Advocate
Here’s an idea that has merits :
A poster at The Standard suggested today about sleeping in cars outside National party MP’s and the PM’s residences.
It could be called the ‘Sleeping Rough’ campaign.
And it could be organised easily enough. It could be done on a rotational basis for two weeks or more outside of every Nat MP’s residence . Even as has been said… in the parks nearby. Let them see it , let them feel it.
Tangible and proactive .
A great big fat long line of cars right outside National party MP’s and the PM’s residences. One night a week or more if you are so inclined. Park up, bring your sleeping bag and your alarm clock. Think of it as being similar to the Occupy movement.
Something for University students, Unionists , relatives of people in those situations, Poverty Action groups, and any and all concerned and angry citizens to participate in . Including those thinking of their children’s and grandchildren’s futures in this country.
And John Campbell doing interviews of people who have to live rough as well as those who are demonstrating. Then have that flicked to The Guardian in the UK.
Its time to hammer the far right.
These globalist neo liberals want to play rough ?
Lets give em rough by sleeping rough.
Sleep rough for one night a week.
* And for those who have to bear the brunt of this immoral govt, – its time to fight back. Its time to be heard. No more feeling ashamed – you’ve got a right to be heard. You’ve got a right to say whats on your minds in this country and stand tall when you’re saying it.
The gentrification of Merivale is apparent when you see that every road sign now refers to it as Parkvale. Ever since National announced it was privatizing state homes, and that Tauranga was first on the block, the vultures have been circling.