Community asking for more investment in Flat Bush and Ormiston
On Monday the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust hosted local candidates as part of their regular seniors meeting.
Embracing our diversity is good for democracy
Last Friday the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust hosted a local election workshop designed especially to help voters understand elections.
Celebrating the diversity in our neighbourhood
East Auckland is home to the serene Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. On 3 September, they had a Neighbourhood Day, including guided tours of the facilities and work they do in the community.
Howick Sports Awards recognises incredible local talent and service
Last Thursday night was the annual Howick Sports Awards.
Remembering our past as we move forward
While looking for something in the Auckland Libraries Archives, I stumbled across this invitation to a ball in 1847 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fencibles landing in Howick - this year we're celebrating 175 years.
Another fantastic Howick Santa Parade quiz night fundraiser
The Howick Santa Parade is a local community event that is largely funded through donations and fundraising in our community.
We can all do more to support our local not-for-profit
We should do more to support our not-for-profits - they represent a massive part of our communities and they need our support.
Howick Councillors change of heart on park sales too late to save Fortyfoot
While it’s good to see our councillors accept they had previously made the wrong decision and try to save Fortyfoot Park it has been too late. I welcome their recent efforts but today's outcome is the unfortunate but inevitable result of poor decisions they made two years ago.
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.