Weekly Wrap Up: 9 March 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 9 March.
On Wednesday I attended the East Auckland Tourism Board Meeting (as one of the appointed representatives from the HLB). It was great to see the progress they’re making and provide them some positive feedback from their recent presentation to the Howick Local Board.
Before our workshop on Thursday, Citizens Advice Bureau came to talk to us about the work they’re doing to support our local communities. We provide them space at Pakūranga (next to the library) as do the Botany Town Centre. In 2025 they helped over 6,000 people with a wide range of issues, thanks to their incredible volunteers.
At our workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12268) we had a five hour deep dive with Auckland Transport. They’ve committed to more engagement and decision-making for local boards as part of their Kokiri agreement – effectively a local board transport plan. No decisions have been made and at this stage we’re simply asking AT to provide more information for us to consider at a future workshop:
🅿️parking and kerbside – comprehensive parking management plan for Pakūranga; also asked what can be done for Flat Bush
🦺Road safety – AT are working on a proactive schools programme; asked for more information on potential speed reviews in areas around schools (Mellons Bay, Cockle Bay, Riverina, Edgewater, Willowbank, Bucklands Beach), Springs Road, and Aviemore/Cascades.
👥Community initiated programmes – Planned for construction in next financial year: Chapel Road Footpath/Bridge (between Ormiston Road and St Lukes), Meadowland Drive back entrance for Sommerville Intermediate, Flat Bush School Road foot bridge, Stancombe Road near Barry Curtis playground, and Cockle Bay / Pah / Churchill Road (currently out for consultation).
🚧Local Board Transport capital fund – opportunity to fund projects for new transport assets – most of the potential projects were shared pathways or pedestrian safety, plus some bus stops for Flat Bush.
After the workshop, we went to the annual meet and greet with the Howick Youth Council. It was great to see the projects and activities that the new council is planning to deliver this year, with some new and some returning.
It’s annual plan consultation time and you can have your say in our local libraries. Jack Collins and I went to the Botany Library during the Thursday late night to listen and speak to locals about their priorities. I was back again on Saturday (this time with Mike Turinsky and Krish Naidu). You can find out more, including how to have your say at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annual-plan-2026-2027
I then made my way to the Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Residents and Ratepayers Association AGM, along with Chair Bruce Kendall. They had a great turnout for t heir guest speaker Councillor Maurice Williamson who talked about housing intensification (Plan Change 120) and transport.
This coming week:
📅 Mon 16 March: Business Improvement District (BID) training for elected members appointed to BIDs
📅 Wed 18 March: Business East Tamaki Committee Meeting
📅 Wed 18 March: Howick Local Board and Ward Councillor discussion on LTP priorities
📅 Thu 19 March: HLB Workshop (see https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12269)
📅 Thu 19 March: RSM East Auckland Business Awards 2026 (https://businesset.org.nz/event/rsm-east-auckland-business-awards-2026)
📅 Fri 20 March: Auckland Council Annual Plan Consultation public workshop hosted by Korean Positive Aging Charitable Trust (KPACT)