Farewell 2025

It’s been a busy year and the end of 2025 is approaching fast.

Last week we had our last workshop for the year and our local staff are taking well earned leave until 5 January. As always, make sure you log any issues with Auckland Council (09 301 0101 or www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-it). I’ll be relaxing with whānau and friends until 5 January and only checking my emails/social media infrequently during this time. Urgent issues that need escalation can be text to 0272 763 822.

As we farewell 2025, it’s good to look back on the year that has been. In addition to our normal events, projects and activities, some highlights for me include:

✅Opening our workshops up for the public, providing much needed transparency and accountability (January).

✅Ensuring fairer and more effective representation for Flat Bush (March).

✅Marking 100 years since Emilia Maude Nixon’s arrival in Howick with Kotahitanga (May).

✅Securing the future of Marina Fitness with a multi-year lease, responding to the wishes of our community (May)

✅Strengthening our connections with mana whenua by supporting their mahi like hosting Waitangi Celebrations at Barry Curtis Park, mahi toi (artwork) unveiling at Half Moon Bay, and dawn blessing for Rā Hihi.

✅Another record breaking year of Pest Free Howick’s moth plant competition with over 6.1 BILLION potential seeds stopped from spreading (June).

✅Celebrating our diverse cultures with our communities with Ramadan, Diwali, Moon Festival, Buddha’s Birthday, and Matariki.

✅Opening of the Barry Curtis Park destination playground (December).

None of this would have been possible without the support of our amazing staff, our partners, and the community - thank you all.

Of course 2025 was also an election year, which brought its challenges and opportunities. Thank you again to the residents of Botany who voted for my return to the Howick Local Board - it’s a privilege to serve as your representative.

Looking forward to 2026, we will be:

✅Opening the Flat Bush Pop Up Library (expected to be March 2026);

✅Starting work on our new strategic plan Local Board Plan 2026;

✅Consulting on our annual plan for July 2026 to June 2027.

From my whānau to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.