June Newsletter
My latest newsletter is out - I didn't do one for May as I was unfortunately sick with COVID-19 so this covers both May and June. Since recovering, I've been catching up with people, planting trees & enjoying performances.
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.
Delivering transparency safely - my submission on Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill
The Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill “would amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 to address concerns around candidate safety by loosening the requirement that candidates attach either their residential or business address to electoral advertising. It would allow email addresses, PO box or phone numbers, or links to an internet page to be used instead.“
My experience with COVID-19
I’ve been off sick with COVID, although I’m largely recovered now. I know I’ve missed a few things and I had to defer some meetings. As I catch up, I thought I might share my experience.
How many people need to die for Auckland Transport to act?
Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads. And Auckland Transport has been big on promises for road safety, but their record shows otherwise.
Submission on Auckland Council's preliminary response to housing intensification
Central Government (together with the Opposition) have created legislation that requires all larger cities in New Zealand to allow more intensification of housing. Auckland Council have prepared a preliminary response and asked for public feedback. The following is my submission.
Lest we forget...
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Photo: Times Online
April Newsletter
This month's newsletter is a bit later than normal - I've recently had my wisdom teeth removed so I've been recovering.
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.
Latest Climate Report shows ‘We are pretty much out of time’
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from the worlds top climate scientists makes for pretty grim reading. Despite decades of promises to reduce our carbon emissions, we’ve increased them. And I mean we - New Zealand is one of the worst performers.
Auckland Transport's "radical" plan for parking
Despite what you've heard, Auckland Transport is not coming for your parking. Councillors did not vote to remove parking - they voted to send the proposal for public consultation.
“We are all part of one family – the human family. Let’s not forget that we do care for each other.”
Beautiful tribute to John Sato in the Times this week, truly an amazing man who's legacy is his wise words and kindness.
NZ lost $156-293m on the America's Cup and now we lost the event
While I'm sure some will be disappointed to see the America's Cup head to Spain, this event has never returned on the investment.
In fact, New Zealand made a loss of $156-293m million on the last America's Cup despite promises and the event being the most watched in history.
Access for all must be core to council planning & design
“True accessibility is about not having those barriers in place, not having to do all the thinking to be able to visit somewhere and alert someone to the fact you’re there. Just being able to do things as everyone visiting that place is.”
Submission on the Auckland Council 2022/2023 Annual Budget
Auckland Council has proposed their budget for 2022/2023, which includes a new targeted rate to deliver almost a billion dollars in Climate Action.
Congratulations to the entrants, finalists & winners of the 2021 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards
We all have a part to play in protecting the incredible biodiversity of our country and these awards recognise the champions who are leading the way.
March Newsletter
I can't believe March is flying by already and we're nearly a quarter through the year! This month has reminded us that, while we must remember and acknowledge what has come before, we must also act.
Auckland Council Budget 2022/2023 consultation feedback to Howick Local Board
As part of the Auckland Council budget consultation, the Howick Local Board hosted an online public forum. Here’s what I said in my 3 minutes.