People in Hornby want to talk to the Prime Minister about better infrastructure, economic growth and opportunities for disconnected young people.

When asked what they say to the Prime Minister if they could talk to her about Hornby, residents spoke of pride in their rapidly growing suburb. However, they also spoke of out of control drug use, young people disconnected and bored, plus a rapidly changing community struggling to keep up with the social infrastructure needs of people.

The views were raised during on-street interviews for the Salvation Army’s second annual State of Our Communities report. The report, launched today, tells the story of life in six communities including Hornby, through the words of the people who live there.

Urgent action needs to happen if Hornby is to have a healthy, stable and prosperous future, says report author Ronji Tanielu. The report captured a story of a Hornby community enjoying the growth in their suburb but needing help for social, infrastructure and economic challenges.

The formerly working-class suburb with a negative image has been transformed by a super fast change since the Canterbury earthquakes, but Government support is needed to ensure the growth is matched by appropriate resourcing to face the negative social and economic issues facing Hornby, Mr Tanielu says.

“We found that the people of Hornby loved the location and the sense of home Hornby provides. They fear however without Government assistance to turn around the adverse social, infrastructure and economic challenges, Hornby will not progress in the way it should.”

The Salvation Army will be sharing its finding in Hornby and with the Government and will be working cooperatively to ensure the Government understands how it can better identify and deliver assistance in vulnerable communities like Hornby.

Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Andrew Westrupp (Territorial Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

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