Weekly Wrap Up: 25 May 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 25 May.

On Monday I attended the Lloyd Elsmore Park User Group meeting along with Acting-Chair Kai Zeng. This informal gathering occurs each quarter, providing space for the clubs and groups in Lloyd Elsmore Park to share challenges and opportunities. It was good to be able to share the positive news of progress we’ve made with the skatepark under development, dog park being expanded, upgraded netball courts completed and the start of the Howick Pakūranga Community Sports Centre project. Lighting is still a challenge for many groups which we’ve made some progress on, but more is needed.

On Wednesday I attended the Sustainable Schools Meeting along with Acting-Chair Kai Zeng, hosted by the Pakūranga Baptist Kindergarten. The Howick Local Board supports EnviroSchool programme which empowers teachers and students to take environmental action and it’s always great to hear what they’ve been up to like growing their own food, recycling and upcycling, and learning about their local environment.

On Thursday we had a workshop at short notice – this was a previously deferred item on the O Wairoa Marae in Howick. This session was closed as the “material contains sensitive information that must not be shared externally, and to allow free and frank conversation” so I’m not able to confirm what was discussed. But it was very positive!

On Thursday we had our HLB meeting (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12499). This is where we make all our decisions that impact the community. I’ll do a complete write up later, but here’s some key decisions we made:
✅Approved local board transport plan (Kōkiri Agreement 2026/2027) with priorities including Chapel Road Footpath, Flat Bush School Road Footbridge, and Gracechurch Drive Pedestrian Improvements.
✅Approved draft Howick Local Board Plan 2026 for consultation (late June-late July)
✅Approved $40k for Auckland Hockey roof replacement project at Lloyd Elsmore Park
✅Reallocated $235k of underspend towards early funding (reduces challenge for next financial year)
✅Endorsed recommendation to investigate options for the aging Pakūranga Community Hall
✅Provided feedback on shore-based shellfish harvesting and time of use (congestion) charging.

This week:
📅 Thu 4 June: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12280) – I’m not able to attend due to work commitments.
📅 Sat 6 June: Forest and Bird Community Planting Day at Mangemangeroa Reserve (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jhCN81RK/)
📅 Sat 6 June: Opening Ceremony for the Southern Cross Partners Pavilion at Howick Bowling Club