Weekly Wrap Up: 16 February 2026

Howick Local BoardWeekly Wrap Up
Written By Damian Light

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 16 February.

On Monday night, I attended Chinese New Year celebrations at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush. Wonderful mix of contemplation, community, and celebration. See more here.

All elected members of Auckland Council were invited to attend a Hui Taumata (Symposium) on held at the Aotea Centre on Tuesday. Howick Local Board was well represented with most members attending. Great opportunity to learn about all the work that Auckland Council has underway, with direct access to senior staff and subject matter experts in an expo style session.

On Wednesday, I attended my first Business East Tamaki committee meeting as the Howick Local Board’s appointed representative. Home to over 3000 businesses that employ over 40k people, East Tāmaki remains one of New Zealand’s most significant manufacturing and distribution hubs. In addition to everything else, they’re busy preparing for the upcoming RSM East Auckland Business Awards after the inaugural event in 2024.

At our HLB workshop on Thursday (see public agenda and materials here):

  • Arts Out East – our community arts partner who since 2019 have delivered 90 projects, activated 140 locations, empowered 338 creatives, and engaged 5k participants with an audience of 444k+.

  • Service Property Optimisation – closed and confidential session so I can’t discuss further

  • Ti Rakau Youth Space and Basketball Court – in 2024 the Howick Local Board approved the delivery of a new youth space including a basketball half-court as part of the compensation from the Eastern Busway. There was some discussion about changing the plan but it’s due for construction very soon.

  • Tūpuna Maunga Authority regarding Ōhuiarangi/Pigeon Mountain – we discussed opportunities regarding Love Your Maunga which has been successful in other locations with community, conservation, and cultural events. TMA will engage with mana whenua to gauge their interest and ideas.

  • East Auckland Tourism – closed and confidential session so I can’t discuss further

  • Auckland Transport regarding our Kilimanjaro Drive Crossing project – the turnout from the public consultation was very low with only six responses – 2 in favour and 4 against. The main concern was the loss of parking, which AT have tried to avoid where possible (even gaining an exemption to normal standard). Next step is a report requesting approval (expected March).

  • We were due to discuss the new dump station for Half Moon Bay but the item was withdrawn so staff could work on the advice more.

On Saturday HLB Botany representatives Mike Turinsky and I attended the Huntington Park Neighbours Day, run by the local resident and ratepayer association. See more here.

This coming week:

Damian Light
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Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple celebrates New Year