Weekly Wrap Up: 5 October 2026
Each week I’m providing a quick summary of the meetings and events I’ve attended as a member of the Howick Local Board (HLB). This is my report for last week, starting Monday 5 October.
It was a busy week and to make it all fit, I took the week off my part-time job. Local board members are renumerated as a part-time commitment ($57,320), so most of us have at least a part-time job to supplement our income.
On Monday the HLB went on a tour of some library, community, pool, and leisure centres to understand how they work to prepare us for discussions about Flat Bush. Some interesting observations for us as we consider how to deliver what the community has been promised, with a very limited budget. Closed workshop coming this week.
On Monday evening I attended the Pakūranga Rotary AGM. As an honorary member of the club, I was there to observe (no voting powers) and enjoy dinner with these dedicated, community minded people.
On Tuesday fellow HLB member Krish Naidu and I supported the Citizenship Ceremony, officiated by Adele White JP. See more.
On Tuesday afternoon I learned Korean at Celebrating Cultures Pop-Up. 감사합니다 (gam-sa-hab-nida) Thank you Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust for teaching us about the history of the language, as well as providing useful tips and an opportunity to practice.
On Thursday we had our HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12290)
📑 Local Board Plan review: we made some final changes to our draft three-year strategy. This responded to the feedback we’d had in our public consultation and considered transport under the new structure. Final approval is required at our October meeting.
🚘 Time of Use Charging: closed session in preparation for upcoming public consultation in November.
🌿Pest Free Howick: update on the great work they’re doing to empower community to eliminate pest plants and animals. Stronger focus on monitoring changes in birds, plants and pests (to help track success).
🚽Howick public toilets: Tiraumea needs upgrading, staff recommending keeping structure but shifting entrance to face carpark. Grangers Point also needs replacing, staff recommending consolidating nearby Bucklands Beach toilets to Grangers to serve both beaches. Riverhills planned for new toilet block, partly to cope with increased demand with new bus station.
🖼️ Public Art: closed “to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions”
On Friday I attended Celebration of 115th National Day of Taiwan. Joining fellow HLB member Adele White, as well as councillors and other guests, it was wonderful to celebrate the cultural and economic ties with Taiwan. See more.
On Saturday I attended CRC Howick Village HOP. Perfect weather and beautiful cars brought huge crowds to the mainstreet of Howick for this annual community event. See more.
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅Mon 12 October: Tarnica Park residents meeting
📅Mon 12 October: East Auckland Tourism AGM
📅Thu 15 Oct: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12295)