Weekly Wrap Up: 10 August 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 10 August.

On Tuesday I attended the AGM of the Brit & Euro Classic Car Show. The Howick Local Board supports this event through our Event Partnership Fund, enabling them to keep it focused on being for the community, by the community. This year was their 10th year (9th show) with 1200 cars on display and a fantastic turnout. Congratulations to the clubs involved!

On Thursday we had our workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12298)
🖼️Howick local Board Pou Project: we’re working with local iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki to build some pouwhena in our area as part of our commitment to incorporate Māori culture, language, art and stories into the design of public spaces. Early stages indicate 3-4 pou (poles, pillars).
🏞️Mangemangeroa Valley Reserve Development Plan: Mangemangeroa is a special place to Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Friends of Mangemangeroa, and our community. It’s vital that all parties are involved and can contribute to the shared vision and direction. There will be hui (meetings) to progress this along with a formal resolution to confirm the scope of the plan.
🛝Draft Play and Recreation Opportunities Provision Strategy: even with nearly 70 playgrounds, we still have gaps in our network which we can’t afford. Considering the feedback we received from our playground survey, we’re developing a strategy to do more with less. We’ll use an opportunity first approach - as existing playgrounds need upgrading or replacing, we’ll consider if they should be relocated to address gaps. New provision will be focused on Flat Bush, and we’ll work closer with schools to utilise their facilities (where possible).
📑Work Programme review: our work programme is how we fund projects and activities, developed each year in response to our Local Board Plan and annual consultation. We’re taking time now to review the programme to ensure we can get early advice for next year (starting July 2027).

On Friday we had our second quarterly catch up with our councillors (Maurice Williamson and Bo Burns). This is an opportunity to us all to discuss issues and opportunities, although it’s a closed meeting so I can’t confirm what was discussed.

On Saturday, I attended the opening of the Art Salon at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. This marked 10 years of this wonderful community event, which provides opportunities for local artists to display their works in a safe, welcoming space. The exhibition runs until 26 September, and all the artworks are available for purchase so you can support local artists. Another session (with more artworks) is coming in October! See more.

On Saturday evening I attended East After Dark, a free concert delivered by the Howick Youth Council with performances from local bands. I recall the group saying they wanted to run the event to give local bands and musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent and I’m glad they did - the performances were awesome! See more.

Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅 Mon 17 Aug: Tūpuna Maunga Authority (Hui 107): https://maunga.nz/assets/hui-pdfs/Hui-107-Open-Hui-Agenda.pdf
📅 Wed 18: Business East Tāmaki Committee Meeting
📅 Wed 18: East Auckland Tourism Meeting
📅 Thu 19 Aug: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12298/)
📅Fri 21 Aug: Howick Youth Council 10th Annual Youth Summit
📅 Sat 22 Aug: Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association AGM
📅 Sat 22 Aug: Youth Project Volunteer Awards Night
📅 Sun 23 Aug: East Auckland Small Dogs Meet Up (https://www.facebook.com/share/18hndNiKdZ/)