Stoddard Road is one of the main routes that link South and West Auckland, and Owairaka (Carrington Road), from the Mt Roskill campus of schools to Unitec.
Once a deserted area, Stoddard Road is now a lively, upcoming Town Center where people shop for a wide range of products and have a choice for dining and takeaway.
Stoddard Road has always had a possibility of a railway linkage from the South connecting the West.
Unitary Plan
The Auckland Council Unitary Plan aims to help residents and businesses to move to another era, creating an atmosphere congenial for progress of both. It has had many consultations with the community to meet the needs of people.
I remember travelling through Stoddard Road when it was an empty space many years ago. I worked for some time at the Owairaka Branch of ASB Bank, located at the end of the Road. The site is now home for a beauty parlour.
There was a limited choice for lunch – a dairy, bakery and fruit shop.
Amazing changes
A while later, commercial offices and factories were established. The changes have been amazing and progress is continuous. Development plans are aimed at encouraging businesses to grow on the one hand and provide greater variety and convenience for shoppers.
I would like to help in providing more jobs for residents of the area. Stoddard Road has just started to grow and you can find anything you need. There is potential for local shops and businesses to employ more people.
The cycle of wellbeing socio-economic status is on the rise.
Ella Kumar is the first Indian woman to be elected as a Member of the Puketapapa (Mt Roskill) Local Board. She is a contestant in the forthcoming local election (October 12, 2013).
