Weekly Wrap Up: 6 April 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 6 April.
On Wednesday I attended the East Auckland Tourism meeting – they’ve been working hard to organise WalkFest which runs throughout April. It’s a great opportunity to see East Auckland from a different perspective – check out https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/
On Thursday we had our HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12272)
📑Auckland Transport regarding our Kokiri (Local Board Transport Plan) for July 2026-June 2027. This was our third workshop on this topic and it’s good to see AT listening to our feedback on local priorities.
🚧Pakuranga Community Hall Renewal staff presented us three options for this heritage listed community venue – full renewal ($2.5M), relocate and sell the building ($1.4M+), or selling the building and land. No decisions have been made – this will come to a future business meeting.
🏑Howick Local Board Sport and Recreation Budget we’ve got $40k allocated for this but with the Sports Awards happening next financial year, staff recommended we help fund critical roof renewals at the Auckland Hockey (Lloyd Elsmore Park).
🏘️Eastern Busway Urban Regeneration Programme – Auckland Urban Development Office (formally separate CCO Eke Panuku) has been tasked with helping maximise the return on the Eastern Busway project by redeveloping the leftover land. Still very early planning stages but good to understand their focus around Pakūranga, Ti Rakau Drive, and Burswood.
🖼️ Community Arts Partner FY26 update: UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Director Paul Brobbel provided as an overview of the incredible work they’re doing, lifting visitor numbers with exhibitions, classes, and more. Great opportunity to thank Paul and his team for all their hard work, and acknowledge the unique way that arts and culture can bring people together, breaking down language, cultural, or personal barriers.
On Saturday I attended a double event at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. Buddha’s Birthday Celebration for World Peace was a timely reminder of the cooperation required to achieve peace, at home and aboard.
We also celebrated the Opening of the Commemorative Exhibition Honouring Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This special exhibition commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the 100th Birthday of the Late Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
This coming week:
📅 Wed 15 April: Business East Tamaki committee meeting
📅 Thu 16 April: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12273 )
📅 Sat 18 April: Flat Bush Ratepayers and Residents Association AGM at 10am Ormiston Junior College