What was supposed to be a 10 minute presentation turned into a 45 minute negotiation on our proposal because you showed and we made a difference in the room.

Reaction was phenomenal as we had 50 people standing there with us at Council. This was the largest turnout to a council delegation that they have ever seen this term. You have set the bar and turned the tide. That is how you build people power. 

Sr Margaret Martin is part of Sisters of Mercy Wiri and has been engaged in social work and advocacy in the Wiri community for many decades. She is a trustee of Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga. Here is her reflection on why broad-based organising is important today, as we look to 2019.

When Annie Newman first canvassed the idea of forming a community alliance founded on broad-based organising I was keen to be involved. I got what she was talking about. I was aware of the Living Wage Movement and the principles by which it operates and the successes it has had in the space of 5 years.