Welcoming new New Zealanders!
On 5 March I had the privilege of officiating the citizenship ceremony for over 300 new New Zealanders.
Lantern Festival is back! And closer than ever!
Fantastic to see the Lantern Festival return to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland! Even better than it's now in our backyard at the Manukau Sports Bowl, making it even easier to enjoy.
Botany Chinese Association Lantern Festival
On Wednesday 14 February, the Botany Chinese Association hosted a Lantern Festival to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Meri Kirihimete / Merry Christmas!
As we wrap up for the holidays, we wanted to take a moment to thank our community for their continued support throughout the year.
Master Paw celebrates Sir Bob Charles
Thanks to Chorus and local artist Grace Cheung, Golfands has an awesome looking new public artwork!
Ormiston Entwine brings Flat Bush community together
Last Saturday evening, the Ormiston Entwine meet for the final time this year. This informal community networking group is funded by the Howick Local Board to help bring the newer communities of Flat Bush and Ormiston together.
70th Howick Santa Parade a community success
Awesome day as we celebrated the 70th Howick Santa Parade this afternoon.
Gravel footpaths providing safety for Flat Bush
The Howick Local Board is pleased to report that we've approved funding for Auckland Transport to deliver gravel footpaths that will provide a safe alternative while the permanent paths await the property developer.
Lloyd Elsmore Skatepark upgrade open for public feedback
Excited to see the long awaited upgrade for the Lloyd Elsmore Park skatepark out for public consultation.
Ethnic communities enjoy sense of belonging
Last month, the Howick Local Board hosted our second community forum for the term. Our first was for organisations that support our communities in need, this one was for our diverse ethnic and cultural communities.
Stockade Hill Christmas Tree is lit!
The tradition marks the beginning of the festive season in Howick, proudly funded by the Howick Local Board.
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.