Weekly Wrap Up: 12 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 12 October.
On Monday I attended a community meeting at Tarnica Park, organised by residents who were concerned about the future of the playground. Also attended by fellow Botany representative Mike Turinsky, plus Jack Collins and Luke Collings, there was a good conversation with locals (despite the heavy rain). They’re collecting signatures for a petition they intend to present to the Howick Local Board in December. See coverage here: https://www.howickpost.co.nz/2026/10/12/250-sign-petition-opposing-any-playground-removal/
On Monday evening I attended the East Auckland Tourism AGM, along with Deputy Kai Zeng, and Members Adele White and Luke Collings. It was great to see the progress this small, but mighty group have made in the past year.
On Thursday we had our HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12295)
💰Howick Quick Round One 2026/2027 Grant Allocation: closed and confidential session so I can’t discuss further.
🚧Flat Bush community facilities - site preference and investment direction: closed and confidential session so I can’t discuss further.
🛣️Transport Update - Pakuranga Road Safety: one of the most dangerous roads in Auckland, with a very high crash rate with 300 reported in the past 5 years. Turning/crossing crashes make up 37% (including 1 fatal and 2 serious), while 14% involved vulnerable road users (including 3 fatal and 13 serious). Given this, intersections are a particular focus.
On Saturday I attended the opening of the second session of the Art Salon at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, Flat Bush. In it's 10th year, this amazing exhibition of local artists has grown so big it needs two sessions to fit in all the incredible artworks. See more.
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅Wed 21 October: Business East Tāmaki Committee Meeting
📅Thu 22 Oct: HLB meeting (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12504)
📅Sat 24 October: South East Auckland Senior Citizens’ Association Diwali Celebration