Prime Minister Visits Westgate

It was a busy day for Auxiliary-Captain Ian Wells and the Westgate Mission Centre, west of central Auckland, on Friday August 23. The reason: the Prime Minister was visiting.

‘It was really affirming,’ says Ian of the afternoon tour by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a small number of staff and Members of Parliament (MPs).

A corps officer for three years, it was Ian’s first time giving a tour to a prime minister. The tour came about just days earlier, when local MP Cameron Brewer got in touch. The Prime Minister would be in the area, and he asked if it’d be okay if he visited.

Ian says the tour included a walk past the social housing village, the centre’s new Family Store, community café and foodbank, to the Prime Minister donning a hi-vis vest to check out redevelopment of the existing building. Along the way, he chatted with staff and volunteers.

‘It was really great for our team,’ says Ian, adding that the Prime Minister was very engaging and discussed his own faith in Jesus.

Ian adds a takeaway from his visit:that regardless of politics, people respect and value the mahi (work) of The Salvation Army.

The visit came as exciting things are happening for Westgate. Construction on the Westgate Mission Centre is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Ian says in addition to the new spaces they are already enjoying, the refurbished hall will provide a performing arts environment and multipurpose spaces for the community.

‘It’s about community engagement and a peaceful place for the community to connect,’ he says. ‘It’s growing our ability to influence the wellbeing of the community.’