Weekly Wrap up: 21 September 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 21 September.
On Thursday we had our HLB meeting (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12503) where we make the decisions that affect our community. Key outcomes:
🗣️Deputations and public forum: Lloyd Elsmore Community Hub; Waka Pacific Trust; proposed padel facility; improving road safety in Flat Bush
💰Approved 26 grant applications for locals organisations totalling approximately $89k. The largest was $6.5K for Special Olympics Pakūranga towards the cost of transport to/from events.
📑Received feedback on our draft local board plan. Public consultation in June-July on our three-year strategy had a total of 669 responses, including 281 online and 247 at our libraries. Strong feedback that we should focus on better parks, libraries and community facilities, and priortise investment into maintaining playgrounds, recreation spaces and sports facilities. An updated and final version will be adopted in October.
On Saturday I attended the opening of Celebrating Cultures Pop-Up at Botany Town Centre, along with fellow Howick Local Board members Adele White, Jack Collins and John Spiller. We’re fortunate to have an incredibly diverse community in East Auckland and it’s wonderful to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our home. See more here.
On Saturday I attended the Annual General Meeting of Howick and Districts Historical Society, alongside Howick Local Board Chair Bruce Kendall, Members Adele White, Jack Collins, and John Spiller. The Society looks after the over 30 historical buildings including the Howick Historical Village, Bell House, and Hawthorne Dene. See more here.
Meetings/activities planned for this week:
📅Mon 28 Sept: Tūpuna Maunga Authority Hui 108 (https://maunga.nz/assets/hui-pdfs/Hui-108-Open-Agenda-FINAL-v3.pdf)
📅Thu 1 Oct: HLB workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12297)
📅Thu 1 Oct: Classical Organ Recital at All Saints Historical Church (https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/a-classical-organ-recital-at-all-saints-historical-church-24-september/)
📅Fri 2 Oct: Fulton Swim School Botany 10th Anniversary
📅Sat 3 Oct: Celebrating Cultures Pop-Up at Botany Town Centre: Korean Day (https://events.humanitix.com/celebrating-cultures-pop-up-korean-day)