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 2 November.
On Monday we re-opened the Howick Library. Closed for major roof repairs since February, it was good to see this important community space available for locals again. See more
On Monday afternoon I attended Tūpuna Maunga Authority Hui 109 where we approved the draft operational plan which will be available for public feedback during the upcoming Auckland Council consultation on the upcoming Long Term Plan. We also signed off the designs for a new papa tākaro (playground) for Maungakiekie \ One Tree Hill which uses a pā as the underlying narrative and looks amazing.
On Wednesday I visited Mangemangeroa along with fellow HLB members John Spiller and Kai Zeng. At the invitation of the Friends of Mangemangeroa, we spent the morning exploring the incredible mahi (work) they've done over the past 25+ years to restore native plants to the area. See more:
On Wednesday evening I attended the Pakūranga College Year 12 and 13 Prizegiving, along with HLB Chair Bruce Kendall, Members Adele White and Kai Zeng, and Councillor Bo Burns. See more.
On Thursday, we had our HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12302):
🛣️ McQuoids Road Traffic Safety: following the recent fatal crash, locals have increased their requests for action along this road. Staff presented some early advice on the issues but there’s more work to be done when the fatal crash investigation is completed.
🚦 Pigeon Mountain / Sunderlands / Prince Regent Drive intersection: locals have asked for something to be done here and staff presented options to address the crash risk, with their recommendation for traffic lights.
📊Annual Planning budget update and direction setting: closed as it “contains material that will be sensitive, requiring free and frank conversations between staff and the Local Board.”
On Saturday, I attended the second day of a community-led workshop on transport. I wasn’t able to make last week’s session, but this focused on how to make positive systems change. Great to spend time with a diverse group of people who all want to make our transport system safer, cleaner and more efficient for all.
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅Wed 11 November: East Auckland Tourism Board Meeting
📅Thu 12 November: HLB workshop (closed)
📅Fri 13 November: Quarterly HLB and Howick Ward Councillors Meeting
📅Fri 13 November: Quarterly Police (Area Prevention Manager) Meeting
📅Sat 14 November: Cherry Blossom Festival at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple ( https://www.facebook.com/share/19hSy9dU22/)
📅Sun 15 November: Palestine Day Community Celebration (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CJPAsuive/)