Weekly Wrap Up: 28 September 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 28 September.
On Monday I attended the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Hui 108 (https://maunga.nz/assets/hui-pdfs/Hui-108-Open-Agenda-FINAL-v3.pdf). We received an update on the planting programme, noting that 34k plants were planted across the Maunga network between May-September 2026. These plantings are additional to the 253k plants already planted over the last 6 years which is incredible. Wonderful to see the community involvement with record volunteers, including schools.
On Wednesday I spoke to John Campbell on RNZ’s Morning Report about the transport reform for Auckland. Listen here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2019053933/damian-light-discusses-changes-to-auckland-transport
On Thursday we had our HLB workshop
(https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12297)
🛝 Draft Play and Recreation Opportunities Provision Strategy - Play network optimisation: we discussed 10 playgrounds that staff have identified as opportunities to optimise – when they’re up for replacement, we may move them to a new location to better serve the community. For Botany this includes Tarnica and Wayne Francis. Staff indicated the strategy may be ready for confirmation in December.
📑 Work Programme Item review: finished our line-by-line review of our current work programme to identify projects and activities we may want more advice on before further discussion next year.
🚌 Eastern Busway Project Update: most stages are well ahead of schedule and project is exploring opportunities to open early in 2027. Stage 5 (Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve) won’t be finished until later in 2027 as it started later.
🗣️ Engagement Work Programme: discussion about opportunities to engage with parts of our community we don’t often hear from, like youth.
⚠️ AEM Work Programme update: to help promote our local board readiness and response plan, we’ve asked staff to explore fridge magnets. Find all the local board plans here: https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz/your-local/local-board-plans
On Thursday evening I attended an Organ Recital at All Saints Howick, as part of East Auckland Tourism’s WellFest. See more here.
On Friday, Deputy Kai Zeng and I attended the 10th Birthday of Fulton Swim School in Burswood. Teaching over 1,000 students each week, it was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with the team making sure locals can swim.
On Saturday, Member Jack Collins and I attended the Korean Day event as part of Celebrating Cultures. See more here.
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅Mon 5 October: HLB Site Visits to prepare for Flat Bush facilities
📅Mon 5 October: Pakūranga Rotary AGM
📅Tue 6 October: Citizenship Ceremony
📅Tue 6 October: Learning Korean at Celebrating Cultures Pop-Up
📅Wed 7 October: East Auckland Tourism Board Meeting
📅Thu 8 Oct: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12290)
📅Fri 9 Oct: Celebration of 115th National Day of Taiwan
📅Sat 10 Oct: CRC Howick Village HOP (https://www.facebook.com/thehowickvillagehop)