Weekly Wrap Up: 27 July 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 27 July.
On Thursday we had our workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12288)
🤾♀️Out and About Activations Summary FY26: HLB funds $60k which returns $120k in social investment with 2,579 attendees at 72 activations over 156 hours in 23 locations.
🏢Property (Community Leasing): closed and confidential session so I can’t discuss further
🌊Eastern Beach Coastal Management: coastal inundation is ongoing risk (increasing with sea level rise); coastal erosion is being managed in short-medium term by shifting sand back from south to north but may not work forever – regular monitoring is underway. Covered by the Highbrook to Whitford Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAP).
📑Review and refresh of the Community Grants Policy: council is reviewing the 10-year old grants policy and we provided early input into opportunities. I encouraged them to consider value as measure of impact, as well as ensuring application and accountability requirements are proportional to the size of the grant.
🚧 Eastern Busway Alliance Raised Intersections: as advised in 2023, both Gossamer Dr and Palm Ave intersections will be raised platforms to increase safety.
📚Flat Bush community facilities - emerging service provision: update on the long-awaited facilities for Flat Bush, focused on what services these new facilities could provide. I posted a more detailed update here.
On Friday I had two meetings with local residents regarding housing intensification and Plan Change 120. We’re currently waiting for Auckland Council to formally notify the latest version which removes all changes for 85% of Auckland and focuses intensification around town centres (including Howick, Botany, Highland Park, and Pakūranga) and rapid transport routes (including Eastern Busway). Public submissions are expected to open in late August 2026 and run for four weeks. In the meantime, the latest update is here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/07/aucklanders-to-have-their-say-on-proposed-changes-to-plan-change-120/
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅 Thu 6 August: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12289)
📅 Fri 7 Aug: Local Board Standing Orders and Digital Learning
📅 Sat 8 Aug: Te Tuhi 50th Anniversary Book Launch
📅 Sat 8 Aug: Howick Youth Council 15th Year Anniversary