Melody Shinnick

Future West candidate for the Henderson-Massey Local Board.
Henderson-Massey Local Board area has a wide spread of cultural diversity and socio-economic levels. Melody Shinnick has a strong interest in ensuring that those in the low socio-economic bracket and from cultural minorities are represented. As a Henderson-Massey Local Board Member, Melody would be an advocate for those with mental and/or physical disabilities; mental health issues; cultural minorities; and those in the lower socio-economic bracket.

“Many valued members of our society can feel disconnected, disempowered and lack confidence. Refugees, migrants, many residents who have English as a second language, those with mental health issues, people with intellectual disabilities can be unsure how to communicate their concerns. To have an equal opportunity to be heard and understood is something we all should expect”.

Stronger, healthier communities through networking of community organisations and businesses and increased participation of our ethnically diverse population wil be an area Melody will focus on, as a Local Board Member. Melody believes in working and shopping locally as part of a sustainable lifestyle. “Local lifestyle can reduce costs, improve quality of life and help reduce local crime by getting to know people in your community.” She is enthusiastic about promoting local economy, community co-operatives, local food production, increased use of public transport.

Melody is one of five Co-ordinators for Ranui Food Co-op. She helps run a non-profit, volunteer-run co-operative who provide reasonably priced organic produce at Ranui Twilight Farmers Market on Friday evenings. Melody is also studying Not-For-Profit Management at Unitec.

Melody’s childhood was spent in South Auckland. She is of mixed descent: Tongan; Fijian; Maori; English and Irish. One of six children in a household with one full time income, Melody has experience of living with limited funds. Her father grew veggies for the family, which planted the seed of food production that has become an important part of Melody’s life.

Waitakere’s first community garden was started by Melody. Ranui Community Garden’s allotments plots are popular with Ranui residents and local organisations. Melody set up the garden and co-ordinated it for three years. The community garden increased awareness of local food production.

About Melody Shinnick

Waitakere has been home for Melody for almost 10 years. She has lived the last 7 years at Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood in Ranui. She enjoys the benefits of living sustainably in a co-housing community: share resources and always having a friendly helpful neighbours.

Living sustainably is one of Melody’s goals. She has worked locally at Ranui Community House for a year and a half. Melody manages the cafe run by the community house, works in the office when needed and is currently the Walking Group Coordinator. The cafe is a long-term sustainability project for the community house. It attracts people from Ranui and surrounding areas, who have not previously used the community house facilities. Melody particularly enjoys meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds through her work. She has a good rapport with those with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, those from the low socio-economic bracket including homeless people, ethnic minorities and children.

Contact Melody at melody@earthsong.org.nz or 098325153.