Howick Youth Space coming soon!
We're thrilled to report that the Howick Youth Facility is moving ahead!
Cherry Blossom Festival at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
Over the weekend, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand celebrated their Cherry Blossom Festival.
Saving Kauri Kids Howick
Yesterday the Howick Local Board faced one of the most challenging decisions of this term - funding for early childhood education.
Community Patrols help make us safer
Volunteering with Community Patrols is a great way to help your local community. I've done it for years and it's practical, rewarding and worthwhile.
O Wairoa Marae - Te Whare Wānanga O Wairoa.
Last week I had the honour of being welcomed onto O Wairoa Marae - Te Whare Wānanga O Wairoa.
Flat Bush deserves the Library and Community Centre it’s been promised for almost two decades
The Flat Bush and Ormiston area has numerous schools and is anticipated to have a population of 40,000 by 2025, yet it has no community facilities or library. Despite promised one for 17 years, the timeline on this project is unclear.
East Auckland deserves good councillors who will get things done
Fortyfoot Park (like Aberfeldy) and other reserves are being sold by Auckland Council in an effort to claw back their massive deficits. In the NZ Herald there was a good column by Simon Wilson that gets to the core of the issue - ineffective councillors.
Happy Moon Festival
Happy Moon Festival! Also known as Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival. Whatever you call it or however you celebrate, I hope you have a great one!
East Auckland Tourism celebrates successes despite challenging year
Monday night was the AGM and networking event for East Auckland Tourism - one of the local community organisations I volunteer my governance skills and experience.
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).