Janine Jones of Milford describes herself as a mother to three young adult children, a wife, a fulltime nurse, student studying part-time at university (she will complete her Masters of Health Science at the end of this year) and until COVID-19 changed the world, was running the weekly community kitchen Eddie’s Meals with the support of her family and regular volunteers.
What do you love most about living in Milford?
The village feel, the beach and the ease of walking or cycling to work. Such a beautiful beach.
How long have you lived here?
Ian and I moved to Milford in 1994 from Whangarei. From the very first day we were made to feel welcome. It’s a wonderful part of Auckland with great people.
What activities or organisations are you involved with? Why are you passionate about this?
I lead a very privileged life. I have a job, a roof over my head, my health, great kids, a wonderful husband and good friends. What more could I ask for? It is very important to me and my family that we acknowledge and share our blessings. Like everybody else there isn’t a lot of free time (particularly when university assignments are pressing) what with full time work, family life and university, but we just prioritise our weekly commitment to our community. And somehow it just works; the house isn’t always perfect, dinner isn’t always the most nutritious and sometimes the laundry threatens to overwhelm but we get a lot of enjoyment from meeting our guests at Eddie’s Meals every week and that needs to be a priority. The housework can wait!
Everyone can find time to give back to their community.
What else might you be involved with if you had more time?
There are plenty of things I’d like to get involved with but the reality is that my plate is currently full and there may be a mutiny in the Jones house if I take on anything else. I’d like to get our elderly population out and about more; I saw a wonderful piece on a three-wheel bicycle that accommodated two in the back and the driver/rider. Wouldn’t that be great to take our elderly guests on a bike ride for fresh air and an outing? If someone wants to make the bike I’ll organise the rest!
Tell us about a place that is a secret gem in Milford?
The coastal walk between Milford and Takapuna is a gem in any weather. Unfortunately, you do need a degree of mobility to walk it the entire way. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone, regardless of mobility level, could enjoy this beautiful walk?
Do you have a favourite local event that you look forward to each year?
I’ve always enjoyed the food truck nights held in the Milford Village. It saves me cooking and is a chance for the community to gather.
If you could change one aspect about your suburb what would it be?
The entrance to Milford Beach via Milford Road is shabby. It’s a trip hazard and needs attention.
Who would you most like to have as a neighbour and why?
I don’t think I’d change my neighbours. We have great neighbours, but if Barack & Michelle Obama wanted to move in next door I’d be pretty happy to welcome them.
