Community can help with crime prevention
It's always distressing to see crimes happening, especially in our own area. I feel particularly for the business and home owners - the emotional and psychological impacts are often longer lasting than just the loss and damage to property.
Another busy year for the Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association
The Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association are one of the most active and constructive groups in our area. At their AGM today, Chairperson Laurie Slee talked through their work over the past year and I was impressed with both the range and depth of issues they’ve advocated on.
East Auckland youth have incredible talent!
Last night we attended the East Auckland Performing Arts Showcase, organised by the Howick Youth Council. It was a great evening, showcasing the incredible talent of our East Auckland rangatahi (young people).
Eastern Busway Burswood diversion continues to divide
I popped into Eastern Busway community drop in session in Burswood this morning. Nice to see full size maps and talk with knowledgeable staff from Eastern Busway Alliance.
Community planting day at Mangemangeroa Reserve
Early morning start today, helping out with community planting at Mangemangeroa.
Auckland Council mismanagement is costing us more
Imagine how different Auckland would look if our elected representatives hadn't wasted the first 10 years of the super city on vanity projects and bickering.
Eastern Busway feedback shows Burswood diversion unpopular with locals
Auckland Transport have released the response to the December consultation on the Pakuranga to Botany leg of the Eastern Busway.
Auckland Council finances still don't add up
Major transport projects like the Eastern Busway have been delayed because Auckland Council told us they didn't have the money to fund it. Yet the NZ Herald has revealed that council is sitting on $285 million of unspent regional fuel tax earmarked for transport.
Howick Local Board meeting for July 2021
Monday night was the Howick Local Board meeting for July with discussions on bikes, dogs and bylaws. I always try to attend to see what’s happening in the community and at Council.
Community Patrols NZ conference
In mid-March I spent a weekend in Palmerston North at the Community Patrols New Zealand leadership conference representing Botany.
Selling parks and reserves won't fix anything
Stunning Saturday afternoon for a community meeting in Aberfeldy Park in Highland Park. Sadly this park is on the list for potential sale under Auckland Council's so called "asset recycling" programme which will see over $224m in community assets sold.
Selling land is short sighed
I'm not ideologically opposed to asset sales - sometimes it makes sense to sell some unused land to fund something better and more useful for the community. But selling them to fund a shortfall in revenue means we're loosing out, especially when it's clear that even this massive selloff will do little to plug the gap.
Lack of skatepark needs to be addressed
When it comes to parks and recreation, what we do have is often too small or desperately out of date. Lloyd Elsmore Skatepark isn't just outdated, it's dangerous.
Council should be investing in the safety of our children
We've got our priorities wrong Auckland, keeping our kids safe should be at the top of the list. More students walking and cycling is better for congestion, the environment and children’s health. Instead our city gets distracted with half-baked ideas for waterfront stadiums. We need to focus on real priorities, cut the fluff and get on with it.
Point View Drive gets another community clean up
Point View Dr offers some stunning views over East Auckland, but unfortunately some people dump rubbish which ruins it for everyone. Today we had 2nd annual clean up, organised by Howick Local Board Member Mike Turinsky
Cockle Bay long history of advocating for improvements continues
The Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association has existed since the 1930s, advocating for the needs of locals and to ensure it remains a beautiful place to live.
Howick Local Board feedback on Emergency Budget
On Thursday evening last week I attended a special Howick Local Board meeting. Timed to allow the members to consider feedback from locals on the proposed Emergency Budget before it goes to council.
Howick Local Board goes online to approve transport investment
The Howick Local Board for April was held online but not open to the public. I normally attend these and it was a shame to not be able to attend this, but I understand that changes are necessary in these challenging times.
Local Irra Lee gets hands-on experience communicating the work of Parliament
Local Irra Lee has spent a few months working in Parliament, gaining some really good insights into how it really works.
Why is sunscreen so expensive in NZ?
We all know to slip slop and slap, but sunscreen is expensive especially when compared to Australia.