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!
Mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II
Like many I was saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
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.
New website to make voting in local elections easier
Local government controls your roads, beaches and libraries. They make decisions that impact your daily life so it's important that you vote in the upcoming elections. Most people who don't vote, say it's because they don't know enough about the candidates or what they stand for.
Volunteers working together to keep their community safe
On Wednesday 31 August, some of the patrollers from Botany Crime Watch spent the morning in Botany Town Centre with other volunteers from the New Zealand Asian Council on Reducing Crime and the Flat Bush Ratepayers and Residents Association.
Howick Sports Awards recognises incredible local talent and service
Last Thursday night was the annual Howick Sports Awards.
Daffodil Day Cancer doesn't stop, so we won't either
It’s Daffodil Day and I spent the day out supporting our amazing volunteers collecting on behalf of the Cancer Society.
August 2022 Newsletter
My latest newsletter is out - I’ve been busy upskilling my governance and so much applies to council. I’m using what I’ve learned to help my community, and help my team come 3rd-equal in the Howick Santa Parade Fundraising Quiz Night!
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.
Upskilling my governance with Company Directors Course
I’ve spent the last week on a professional training course for Company Directors. Run by the NZ Institute of Directors, the course covered best practice corporate governance, including strategy, finance, risk and culture.
Auckland's outdated election system hurts our democracy
Leaving oversight of elections to those the current, flawed system put into power is significant conflict of interest. Out sourcing the operations to commercial businesses is hardly better.
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.
July Newsletter
My latest newsletter is out - the campaign has kicked off and I’ve been busy attending community meetings, exhibitions and clean ups. People often ask why I'd spend so much time, money and effort running for council - I love Auckland but poor leadership is holding back our city.
Pay increase for drivers a good start
Essential workers throughout this pandemic (and before), our bus drivers deserve better pay and conditions. Great to see this being recognised with Auckland Council announcing today that drivers will receive an increase of 8%, effective this Thursday.