Margi Watson has been a resident of Waterview for 18 years. She is deputy chair of the Albert-Eden local board.
Born in Auckland, Margi moved to Waterview in 1993 and has never left. Margi trained as a nurse, had children, got involved in all the kids’ activities and is on the local school board. She became involved in the push to make sure that the community's environmental concerns were heard when plans were put forward for a new motorway to be built right through the heart of the area. Margi stood in the first supercity election and was elected in 2010.
Margi tells us why she loves living in Waterview, even though there are no cafes.
The community and people
Waterview is a distinct little community within greater Auckland. It’s not somewhere you can really drive through on the way to somewhere else. People that come here do so for a reason. We are a small community wedged between the marine reserve and Oakley Creek. There are no cafes or anything like that in Waterview itself. But I have everything I need here. My children have always lived here, the people are friendly and you know your neighbours - why would you live anywhere else?
Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve
The marine reserve is a nationally significant, protected marine environment and it's right in the middle of the city. Nearly every street in the neighbourhood heads down to the reserve. It's a stunning landscape. You can get into the reserve if you have a kayak - which we do, although we don’t get out as much as we should. Not many people know about this reserve. It’s run by DOC.
Oakley Creek - Te Auaunga
The creek is an absolute gem of Waterview. People go there to see the waterfall, which is just amazing. It's the only urban waterfall in central Auckland, it's big. We walk our dogs there. The local board is doing planting and upgrading works at the moment and in a few weeks' time, we will have a new viewing platform.
Significant history
There is so much history in Waterview - you’ve got pre-European and early European history. It’s the site of the second flour mill in Auckland, not many people know that. It was called Star Mill, a 19th century flour mill at the mouth of Oakley Creek. They based the mill there because they used running water from the creek and waterfall to turn the wheel. The boats could come in too, there was a little wharf. There were also tanning pits. It was a hive of activity.
Waterview Superette and Laundromat
They’re hands down the best dairy in Auckland. The Kumar family own this dairy. They know your name, your kids names, and welcome you in your first language when you come in. The Kumars are an everyday part of the community. They even support the local school. They’ve recently expanded their business into a laundromat as well...and it’s the cleanest and best laundromat in Auckland!