Have your say: pilot of fortnightly rubbish collections

🗑 Aucklanders send around 1.5 million tonnes of rubbish to landfill every year – enough to fill Eden Park every week. Much of it could be recycled or repurposed instead.

Auckland Council is keen for public feedback on a potential pilot of moving to fortnightly rubbish collection. They want to test fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections for 10,000 households in parts of three areas:
📍Te Atatū Peninsula
📍Panmure / Tāmaki
📍Clendon Park and Weymouth

If approved, the trial will run for six months. Rubbish collection in these areas would be fortnightly (every two weeks instead of every week) and keep food scraps collection weekly and recycling collections fortnightly. If approved, the trial will run from late February 2026 until late August 2026. At the end of the trial, participants will return to weekly rubbish collections.

The trial would help council understand:
❓ how households manage with less frequent rubbish collections
❓ what support they might need
❓ what affect this has on reducing waste to landfill.

You can have your say from 9am Monday 13 October - 11.59pm Friday 31 October.

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/proposed-fortnightly-rubbish-collection-trial

Thank you Botany!

Progress results show that I've been returned to the Howick Local Board as one of the two representatives for Botany. Thank you to locals for your vote of confidence in me.

Unfortunately I haven't been elected to Auckland Council. My congratulations to Maurice Williamson (who has been returned) and Bo Burns. Well done to them both and commiserations to the other unsuccessful candidates.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me, who helped my campaign - your support means a lot, regardless of the outcome.

I'm thrilled to be back on the Local Board - I've really enjoyed the past three years and we've achieved a lot. But there's more to do - we're opening a library in Ormiston in January, with more progress on the Flat Bush facilities underway. We need to tackle our gaps in playgrounds and sportsfields, while coping with massive budget shortfalls. We'll be taking on more responsibilities for transport, while housing intensification looms over the city.

It's great to see that the Howick Local Board will benefit from the experience of returning members, as well as from some fresh new faces. Congratulations to all the new and returning members.

Note:

• Progress results include votes received until the evening of Friday 10 October 2025. They do not include special votes or votes received on Saturday morning.

• Preliminary results include votes received on the morning of Saturday 11 October 2025. Special votes are still not included. Preliminary results will be announced on Monday 13 October 2025.

• Final results and official results include all votes, including special votes. They will be released by Friday 17 October 2025.
  
  Results can be found here: https://voteauckland.co.nz/en/2025-local-election-results.html

Thank you for an amazing three years!

With the election tomorrow, time is running out to vote. If you haven't had your say, make sure you get your vote into one of the orange boxes at your local library, supermarket or transport station before Midday.

Thank you you to everyone who has helped with my campaign. From volunteers who've delivered leaflets to residents who've allowed me to use their fence for my signs - thank you. As an independent I don't have a big political party behind me, just dedicated passionate locals who want to see positive change.

Special thank you to my friends and whānau who have helped and supported me throughout the campaign and last three years.

It's been a privilege serving on the Howick Local Board for the last 3 years, as one of the representatives for Botany/Flat Bush and as the Chairperson. Despite the significant challenges we've faced, like budget cuts and unpredictable government reform, we've managed to deliver for our communities.

In addition to our ongoing support for the incredible Howick Youth Council, we delivered a dedicated space for our rangatahi (youth) with Te Taiwhanga Taiohi East Auckland Youth Space, funded through our effort saving the early childhood education previously known as KauriKids. We successfully advocated for funding for the long-awaited Flat Bush facilities (Community Centre and Library, Pool and Leisure Centre), and secured a lease for a temporary Library at Ormiston in the meantime. We strengthened our partnership with mana whenua, finally making progress on the dual naming of parks with Te Kete Rukuruku. We've boosted social cohesion with investment into Neighbourhood Support while delivering the local emergency readiness and response plan with Auckland Emergency Management. Our environmental programmes have delivered significant improvements thanks to our partnerships with Otara Waterways and Lake Trust, Pest Free Howick Ward and local residents. And we increased transparency by opening our workshops to the public and improved local democracy by giving Flat Bush their own representatives.

All of this has been a team effort and whatever happens tomorrow I'm proud of what we've done together - as a Board and as a community.

‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini’ – our strength is not made from us alone but made from many.

Vote today!

Voting for Auckland Council elections closes at midday Saturday 11 October!

To ensure your vote is received in time, make sure you deliver to one of the orange voting boxes available in all council libraries and selected supermarkets, retailers and transport stations.

If you haven't received your voting papers, you can go to Botany Library and they will help you out.

It's vital that everyone has their say so please make sure you vote. If you've already voted, please encourage your friends and whānau to vote.

Find out more here: https://voteauckland.co.nz/en.html

Happy Moon Festival!

On Monday, fellow Howick Local Board Adele White and I joined other guests at a wonderful celebration of the Moon Festival hosted by the Botany Chinese Association.

We were entertained by performances ranging from traditional Chinese Opera through to modern line dancing. Then we shared a wonderful meal, celebrating the diversity of our local population.

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival, it is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture.

Happy Diwali!

We had a fantastic evening on Saturday with South East Auckland Senior Citizens' Association (SEASCA) annual Diwali celebration. This group does amazing work with local seniors across the year, ensuring our elders aren't left behind.

I joined fellow Howick Local Board member Adele White, along with Councillors, Local Board members and the MP for Takanini. We were entertained by performances from Indian, Fijian, Samoan and Chinese groups, while we dined on delicious traditional food and sweets.

Diwali is an important Hindi festival that symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. As we celebrate together, it was a good reminder of the connections to the wider world.

Happy 114th Birthday Taiwan!

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It was a pleasure to attend the celebration last night hosted by Kendra Chen, the Director General of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office. Fellow Howick Local Board member Adele White and I joined other guests to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The Hakka Lion Dance by National Taiwan Sports University was incredible, showcasing their athletic and cultural skills. An indigenous performance brought a rich cultural diversity to the evening, with guests joining in.

Many Taiwanese call East Auckland their home and it was wonderful to see them represented last night, including one of our busy local supermarkets at the economic showcase.

Taiwan is a world leader in technology and innovation, as well as a beacon of hope and democracy in South East Asia. As a major trading partner with a free trade agreement, we have the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas, while working together on common goals and values.

When I visited Taiwan, I was impressed by the beautiful natural environment, delicious food, and welcoming people. I cannot wait to return to explore more of this fantastic country with a rich cultural history.

Public consultation on fortnightly rubbish pilot coming soon

“Every year Aucklanders send over a million tonnes of rubbish to landfill. The proposed trial is a chance for trial participants to help us explore new ways to reduce waste and protect our environment. By sharing your views through the consultation, you’ll help shape the future of Auckland’s waste services as we move towards a more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau.” Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions, Auckland Council

Auckland Council is considering running a six-month pilot of fortnightly rubbish collections, but wants public input first.

Other councils across NZ have moved to fortnightly, including Hamilton and Tauranga where household kerbside waste to landfill has reduced by about half. Recent audits show roughly half of what’s in Auckland rubbish bins could be recycled or reprocessed instead of going to landfill.

If the six-month-long trial goes ahead, ratepayers in the selected areas would receive a reduction on their rates (depending on the size of their bin).

Consultation on the proposed trial runs from 13 to 31 October 2025. Feedback can be given online, at in-person drop-in sessions, or through feedback forms available at libraries and local board offices.

All feedback will be presented to the relevant committee of the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) in December 2025, who will then decide whether the trial should go ahead.

Read more here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/consultation-opens-soon/

Eastern Busway update for Oct 2025

🚌 Eastern Busway update for October 2025

In this edition:
🥳 Rā Hihi – flyover opens
🔨 Tī Rākau Bridge takes shape
🚧 Construction updates

https://e.at.govt.nz/mail/view/x4mgt2zrk334f1gp13h03hn49s05bzy1ct3ck_vdj88jkmchz020m143h6_78s9r9bsz426z06yvv7fkq2j8b

More information is available at:
🖥 www.easternbusway.nz
📧 info@easternbusway.nz
☎️ 0800 287 929

Business East Tāmaki transport breakfast

Howick Local Board Member Peter Young, me, and Deputy Bo Burns

Thank you Business East Tāmaki for hosting another fantastic breakfast meeting this morning. I attended along with Howick Local Board Deputy Bo Burns and Member Peter Young.

It was great opportunity with Hon Chris Bishop Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and RMA Reform (among others) speaking about the challenges and opportunities that Auckland faces. While none of it will be easy, he was optimistic about the future for Auckland.

This was followed up by Auckland Transport CEO Dean Kimpton who has done a great job leading the organisation over the past few years, transforming the organisation to be more community led.

And finally we heard from Matt Zame from Eastern Busway. Perfect timing as the flyover opened this morning to traffic, give months ahead of schedule and under budget. There's more work to do, which will help support the local economy with less congestion and more transport choices.

Thank you to RSM for sponsoring the breakfast.

New plan for housing intensification

Last week the Governing Body of Auckland Council (Mayor and Councillors) voted to approve the replacement plan for intensification.

The old version (Plan Change 78) was required by central government legislation. By law, it could not reduce building in high-risk hazard areas or opt out of blanket rules allowing three-storey homes across Auckland – including areas with limited transport connections.

It's replacement, Plan Change 120, will:

• introduce stronger planning rules in high-risk flood and natural hazard areas, reducing future risk to people and property.

• remove blanket three-storey housing rules (known as the Medium Density Residential Standards) across almost every residential area across Auckland.

• focus new homes around the city centre, town centres, rapid transit stops such as train stations, Northern/Eastern Busways, and frequent bus routes..

• meet government directions for increased building heights around five key Western Line stations: 15 storeys at Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside; and 10 storeys at Baldwin Avenue and Mt Albert stations.

• give infrastructure providers a clearer picture of where growth is expected, compared to Plan Change 78.

While not everything in Plan Change 120 is good, it's fixing much of the problems with Plan Change 78. The biggest challenge is the legally mandated requirement to one for 2million homes (up from the 900k in the original Auckland Unitary Plan). I'm pleased to see that the Governing Body included this in their resolution:

"note Auckland Council’s firm position that the outcomes for Aucklanders are more important than meeting a theoretical housing capacity target and that the Independent Hearing Panel and Auckland Council (as final decision maker) must be able to focus on achieving the best outcomes for Auckland through the final form of plan-enabled housing capacity."

By 10 October 2025 council will write to the Minister for the Environment seeking approval to notify the new replacement plan change.

Public notification is expected by the end of October (subject to the minister’s agreement) with public submissions are expected to open from 3 November to 19 December 2025 (subject to the minister’s agreement). Following submissions, public hearings will be held by an Independent Hearings Panel.

Read more here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/new-plan-approved-for-auckland-s-future/

More safety improvements coming for The Parade, Bucklands Beach

The Howick Local Board (HLB) has been working with Auckland Transport (AT) on safety improvements for The Parade, Bucklands Beach.

Stage 2 proposed changes to six sites identified as needing attention by the public, local board, and/or traffic survey.

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This went out for public consultation in July with over 500 letters delivered and social media adverts. 24 responses were received with 50% (12 responses) in support, 33% (8 responses) against and 17% (4 responses) neutral.

Based on public feedback, AT have made some changes to the proposal:
Site 2 (23/24 The Parade): don't install yellow lines (as these might be confusing)
Site 6 (Laings Road): remove side island, add additional road markings and high friction surface

On Thursday 18 September, the HLB was asked for approval to construct the project. After a robust discussion, the Board agreed to proceed with four sites:
🚧 Site 1 (Devon Road): new pedestrian side islands
🚧 Site 3 (41 The Parade): new side islands
🚧 Site 4 (Wharf Road): zebra painted on existing raised platform, new streetlighting
🚧 Site 6 (Laings Road): intersection upgrade (including high-friction surfacing)

While the following two sites have been deferred, pending further discussions between the HLB and AT:
🚧 Site 2 (23/24 The Parade): New pedestrian refuge and side islands
🚧 Site 5 (55 The Parade): New pedestrian side islands

Next steps: construction dates will be confirmed and communicated once they are known.

👉My opinion: I felt that we should have proceeded with all six sites and proposed this, but an amendment to defer two was successful. The funding for this needs to be spent before June 2026 and Auckland Transport did warn us that deferring parts of the project may incur extra cost and/or end up with the deferred portions not being delivered.

Our full minutes are available here: https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2025/09/20250918_HW_MIN_11596_WEB.htm

The full recording of the meeting is available here (this item starts at 1hr 12min): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNiuqKCzobSzQ05kCv2JI2iefmDp2_tEh

Rā Hihi flyover officially opened

As the sun rose over Pakūranga, we walked over Rā Hihi in preparation for its opening.

This special dawn blessing was led by Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, with attendance from Eastern Busway, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Howick Local Board, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Mana whenua have contributed much to the wider Eastern Busway project including advocating for better environmental and community outcomes, designing the mahi toi (artwork), and gifting of names for the stations and structures. This has enabled the return of the full name of Pakūranga Rā Hihi (Battle of the Sun's Rays) to the area.

It was wonderful to be there to celebrate, especially with the planning, design and construction crews who have worked so hard to deliver this incredible piece of infrastructure five months early and under budget.

Later in the morning we returned for the formal opening, with mana whenua, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Ministers Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop, Mayor Wayne Brown cutting the ribbon.

The flyover opens from 1 October for city bound traffic with Howick bound lanes opening later in October.

Funding secured to progress Ostrich Farm sports fields in Flat Bush

“The Howick Local Board is pleased to see this funding for this critical project that will provide vital sports field capacity for South East Auckland. We've got massive and growing demand for sports fields, and this funding allows us to deliver this project sooner and better.”

We're desperately short on sports fields in East Auckland so when there was an opportunity to secure some of the proceeds from the airport share sales, this was our candidate project.

With 14 projects worth $57.3M asking for their share of the $20M it was always going to be a tough competition. While we didn't get as much as we'd hoped, this contribution will help us deliver this project that has been delayed due to a lack of funding.

Read more online: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/ostrich-farm-sports-fields-gain-ground/

Auckland East Chinese Society Alliance Election Forum

Thank you to the Auckland East Chinese Society Alliance for organising Monday’s election forum at the Pakūranga Community Hall.

With over 27% of our local 160k residents identified as Chinese in the last Census, we're fortunate to have several amazing local community groups supporting and celebrating their Chinese culture and heritage. This alliance of four local groups offered candidates for Howick Local Board, Auckland Council, and Mayor an opportunity to speak to locals about their vision and priorities. And the event was finished off with wonderful performances!

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a wonderfully diverse city but we need to do more to embrace and empower our communities. Low voter turnout is a symptom of a wider problem. Too often language, terminology, and systems are a barrier to participation and engagement with council. Locally we've worked with groups to educate and empower them to be more involved in decisions that impact them, but we need to scale this up across the city.

Candidate event organised by Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust

Last week Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust hosted a community meeting, providing locals an opportunity to hear from those standing in the upcoming election.

With a large number of candidates standing for councillor and local board, everyone was provided a fair opportunity to speak. Each candidate was given a minute to introduce themselves and their vision, and answer questions on embracing diversity and ensuring a fair share of rates.

Well done to YongRahn for organising such a great event.

Fewer lanes on Pakūranga Road to enable flyover

Rā Hihi – the flyover above Reeves Road - will open to vehicles in October, five months ahead of schedule. But to enable that to happen, major work is needed on Pakūranga Road to build the access to the structure.

The Eastern Busway project team is working round the clock to get the job done and improve travel times for east Aucklanders.

There will be fewer lanes on Pakūranga Road from Saturday 20 September to Friday 24 October. The road layouts on Pakūranga Road will change to allow the teams to build the new connection.

I've attached the maps showing the different stages over the next few weeks - they will vary. Please pay extra attention while travelling through this area. Efforts are being made to maintain as many lanes in the main direction of travel but there will be some impacts.

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Expect significant congestion and delays, and plan ahead to avoid travelling at peak times, and use alternative routes/modes. Visit AT.govt.nz/journeyplanner to plan your journey.

To find out more, visit www.easternbusway.nz

Voting underway!

I dropped off my voting papers at my local library this afternoon. It's full circle as Botany Library is the same place I dropped off my nomination forms.

Local government elections are still old school, relying on postal voting. I'd prefer we move to the same system we use for general (Parliamentary) elections but until then, postal it is.

For Auckland, voting closes at 12 noon Saturday 11 October 2025. If you haven't voted yet, please do! If you have voted, please encourage your whānau and friends to have their say.

You can return your vote by:
✉️ posting it in any NZ Post box before Tuesday 7 October 2025.
🟧 dropping it in one of the orange vote boxes before 12 noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. These are available in all council libraries and selected supermarkets, retailers and transport stations.

If you do not receive voting papers by 22 September, you can:
✅ cast a special vote at selected libraries (including Botany)
✅ visit the Electoral Office (167 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central) to drop off your vote or cast a special vote.
✅ visit a Vote-on-the-Go event, where you can enrol, vote and cast a special vote — all in one place.

Find out more: https://voteauckland.co.nz/en/information-for-voters/where-to-vote.html

Ko tēnei te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Ake Ake Ake!

Kia ora! Ko tēnei te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Ake Ake Ake!

It’s Māori Language Week and, to celebrate 50 years, the theme is Ake Ake Ake.

"Ake Ake Ake means 'forever and ever' or 'everlasting'. It represents the endurance of our language, the ability of our language and its speakers to adapt to their conditions, and the commitment of communities around Aotearoa for te reo Māori."

There's heaps of great resources available so take this opportunity to challenge yourself to learn some new words and phrases.

https://www.reomaori.co.nz/

New leaders for Flat Bush from October 2025

Flat Bush is a significant and growing community that deserves good representation. Until now, they've been represented by the Botany subdivision of the Howick Local Board which included 70,000 residents from Northpark to Clover Park.

As one of the representatives for Botany and Flat Bush, it was a privilege to serve this amazing community. Facing budget challenges, we’ve worked hard to address the gaps in services and facilities like Te Taiwhanga Taiohi Youth Space (opened April 2024), Barry Curtis destination playground (due later this year), and the Ormiston Pop Up Library (due January 2026). We’ve secured funding for the long-awaited Flat Bush facilities (Library\Community Centre, and Pool\Leisure Centre) while bringing the locals together with funding for Neighbourhood Support and community-led Celebrating Cultures.

But with such a large, diverse community it’s a big task for three representatives. I am proud to be involved in the decision-making that led to the creation of the Flat Bush subdivision. Backed by 86% of locals, the change means better representation for both Botany and Flat Bush.

Next Saturday there's a community-led public meeting for candidates standing for this new position, a great opportunity for locals to come along and learn more about their options for voting.

• Saturday 20 September 10:30am to 12noon

• Ormiston Senior College, 275 Ormiston Road

For more information on the elections, including candidates, check out the Auckland Council www.voteauckland.co.nz