A community news-focused website for Mt Albert

Bruce Morris, who will act as publisher/co-editor of the website on behalf of MARA, has been a journalist for over 45 years. He's a former deputy editor of the New Zealand Herald and editor of the Bay of Plenty Times; and editor-in-chief of the APN (as it was before NZME) national network of regional daily and community newspapers.

Mt Albert Residents Association (MARA) was established in 2003 to act on behalf of the community on all things affecting Mt Albert and its people. In the 14 years since, MARA has watched over a vast variety of local issues - everything from the development of Unitec, the expansion of St Lukes and the upgrading of the village centre to keeping an eye on local housing developments, understanding the Unitary Plan and a challenge to the proliferation of liquor stores. These initiatives, acting as a watchdog on behalf of the community, have seen MARA make many submissions to council and state agencies, and challenge matters of local concern. Today, MARA is one of Auckland's most respected residents groups, with robust liaison with the council and local board.

We have been successful in obtaining a local board grant ($6600) that will cover the building of the site by a web development company. But we need funds to cover hosting/support, data and mobile plans and general contingencies for our volunteers. Once we have built traffic (within 18 months-two years) we expect to draw advertising/sponsorship to cover all operating costs and return a strong "dividend" for MARA to use on local community projects.