My report for July 2026
Last week the Howick Local Board accepted my members report for July. This is my fifth report for the term covering until 15 July.
While every local board member and our councillors have the opportunity to provide a written or verbal report, they don't have to. I think it's an important part of transparency, providing formal visibility of what we've been doing and the issues we are dealing with.
I've copied the text of the report here (for ease of reading), the images show the full report (3 pages, including pictures). The official version can be found here: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeting/12501/99548?type=2&docId=49411
"This is my fifth Members report for the term, with my last update covering up until 17 June.
Key themes:
• Unsafe and missing footpaths continue
• Tackling rubbish and recycling requires whole of community response
• Public consultation of the draft Howick Local Board Plan 2026
I’m receiving an increasing number of requests and complaints from residents about unsafe footpaths in our community. Many of these are cracked or lifted due to tree roots, leading to trip hazards and reducing accessibility. The “temporary” asphalt fixes currently used is often insufficient, barely addressing the issues – examples here from a recent “fix” in Leneford Drive, East Tāmaki.
Others (particularly in developing neighbourhoods throughout Flat Bush) are missing entirely, forcing people to walk on the grass or road which is obviously unsafe. The historic approach of waiting for properties to develop before building footpaths may be cost effective, but it leaves communities without access, especially as developments slow down. The gravel footpaths delivered in 2024 have provided temporary relief but are unsuitable as permanent solutions. As footpaths transition from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council and Local Boards, I remain concerned that we will be burdened with more failing and missing assets without funding to address the issues.
Recently Howick Local Board members were provided an opportunity to tour the Onehunga Community Recycling Centre (CRC) and Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). It was fascinating to see behind the scenes of these important services that are critical to reducing what ends up in landfill. The Howick Local Board has long advocated for a CRC in our area to provide opportunities for locals to safely dispose of unwanted items and we continue to wait. In the meantime, our recently signed off work programme includes additional investment into cameras to tackle illegal dumping ($103k) in addition to our ongoing funding for waste reduction education in schools ($58k).
In the past few weeks, we’ve been consulting on our draft Local Board Plan 2026, hosting public Have Your Say Events at the Botany and Flat Bush Libraries, as well as a session with the Howick Youth Council and Sunnyhills Primary School."
