Weekly Wrap Up: 1 December 2025

Each week I’m providing a quick summary of the meetings and events I’ve attended as a member of the Howick Local Board (HLB). This is my report for last week, starting Monday 1 December.

On Thursday we had our first business meeting of the new term. It was a big meeting with eight presentations from the public and twelve non-standard reports taking us just under five hours. I’ll do a more full summary but some key decisions included funding to deliver the Lloyd Elsmore Skatepark we’ve promised the community, major investment into the Howick Library for roof repairs, and providing our initial feedback into the annual plan for next year. I was appointed as the Board representative onto East Auckland Tourism, Business East Tamaki, and Pest Free Howick Ward, as well as being delegated the landowner, film and event approvals within the Botany subdivision.

On Friday I attended a Road Safety Forum, a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities around road safety across Auckland. Great discussions about how safer roads can enable students to walk and cycle to school (and why we need to do more to make it possible), as well as loads of practical examples of how to make progress (without waiting for perfection). I made plenty of notes and will do a more detailed summary later in the week.

I headed back to Pakūranga for a tour of Te Tuhi before it closes for renovations. They were badly impacted by flooding earlier this year and while it’s been a painful process, it’s provided an opportunity to rebuild better. Jack Collings (HLB Pakūranga subdivision) and I got a sneak peak of the plans. It's been a challenging time for the staff and community, and I can’t wait for the reopening in early 2026.

And then I attended the Howick Youth Council Annual Review, along with Jack Collins and Deputy Kai Zeng. Having attended my first annual review back in 2017, it’s always a fantastic opportunity to see what these amazing rangatahi have been up to over the past year, and meet the new leadership team for next year. It was great to see this year’s team challenge themselves to rethink their projects to keep them fresh and relevant. Changes like splitting their youth summit into one for juniors and senior students allowed them to tailor the programme. And they finally finished the long-awaited ‘What is HYC’ video which provides a quick snapshot into what the group does for local youth. Check out https://youtu.be/otm7No19tnc?si=WvYIcoSVUOYspFjK

Over the weekend I attended a Family Christmas and an end of year celebration for a community organisation I volunteer with, making the best of the stunning weather.

This coming week:
📅 Tuesday Plan Change 120 Intensification public information meeting (https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan)
📅 Thursday Howick Local Board workshop (https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/10192)

Rates capping is bad policy.

The Government has announced they are pursuing legislation to cap local government rates to inflation rising: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/getting-rates-under-control-ratepayers

Rates capping is a bad idea - it's an overly simplistic answer to complex problem.

If the Government was serious about reducing the burden of rates, they'd give councils more options to generate revenue - like returning GST on rates (approximately $317M for Auckland alone) or paying rates on Government properties.

If they were serious about making local government focused "on the basics", they'd stop unfunded mandates that have contributed to massive increases across the country. The amount of council money spent on RMA reform which has come and gone and come again must be massive. And for anyone who says councils should "focus on the basics" (whatever that means) how will our museums, art galleries, coastguard and community groups to survive without funding.

If they were serious about the cost of living crisis and ensuring whānau can afford to pay their bills, they'd focus on the real costs (something like 95% of tax paid goes to Central Government).

Capping rates based on inflation isn't an answer. It's proven problematic in Australia, leading to infrastructure deficits - like this isn't already a problem here.

No one wants endless rates rises and Auckland has worked hard to reduce our reliance on rates. Less than 40% of our revenue is from rates, the rest is commercial income or user pays.

Councils are more than just rubbish and water, we respond to local needs based on annual consultation.

Weekly Wrap Up: 24 November 2025

Each week I’m providing a quick summary of the meetings and events I’ve attended as a member of the Howick Local Board (HLB). This is my report for last week, starting Monday 24 November.

On Monday, I attended the Lloyd Elsmore Park User Group quarterly meeting. This informal group is made up of the various groups and clubs who use Lloyd Elsmore Park, sharing challenges and opportunities.

I attended the South/East Public Information Session on Plan Change 120: Intensification on Tuesday night. It was good to have the opportunity to listen to residents of the Howick Local Board and understand their questions and concerns (check out my other post about this event here). Submissions close: Friday 19 December 2025, 5pm and we’ve been advised that there is a session being planned for Howick - details to come shortly. In the meantime, you can find out more, including how to have your say online here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan

On Thursday, we had our Howick Local Board workshop. Again unfortunately most of these were held in closed/confidential sessions so I’m not able to confirm what was discussed for most of the sessions, other than the topics:
- Annual Planning Workshop 2
- Quick Response Grants Round One (this is coming to our next business meeting)
- Business Meeting Preparations

The only open session was where staff presented us an update on the Logan Carr wheeled play project. Thanks to the hard work of East Skate Club, we will have achieved the initial outcomes much sooner than expected. We were presented options to reallocate the remaining funding to other projects - I strongly argued that Botany lacks sufficient opportunities for our youth and this location needs more investment (not less). The Board directed staff to continue developing options to improve opportunities in Logan Carr.

On Saturday we celebrated the opening of the Barry Curtis Park destination playground! Representation from Mana Whenua, stunning weather, and great community turnout made it a fantastic event.

In the afternoon, we attended the Howick Youth Council’s Junior Youth Summit. The annual Youth Summit has been a major event in the Howick Youth Council calendar for many years, but this year their leadership team created a second dedicated event for younger youth, allowing them to tailor it and make it more age appropriate. We were invited to witness the presentations from the attendees, detailing what they’d learned over the day about leadership.

Unfortunately due to poor weather, our planned Stockade Hill Christmas Tree lighting did not go ahead. Look out for an update on the alternative date.

This coming week:
📅Thursday Howick Local Board meeting (see more here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16MCTDX4y7/)
📅Friday Road Safety Forum, Howick Youth Council Annual Review, Howick Village Christmas Fair

Barry Curtis Park destination playground is open!

Fantastic morning as the new destination playground in Barry Curtis Park was opened for the community!

Special thank you to Ngai Tai ki Tamaki for partnering with Howick Local Board to develop a playground that responded, respected and reflected the history of the area. It's been a long time coming and it was awesome to see the concepts turned into reality.

The updated playground features accessible and inclusive play elements, with shade and water features. The Wetlands Building has been redeveloped to provide a family friendly covered BBQ and eating area alongside open space for picnics and more.

Public shares concerns about intensification at public meeting

Auckland Council is proposing changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan – the city’s rulebook for where new homes and businesses can be built. These proposed changes - known as Proposed Plan Change 120 - respond to central government direction for more housing and allow the council to strengthen its natural hazard rules.

On Tuesday 25 November there was a public meeting in Ōtara for the communities of South and East Auckland to learn more about the proposals and ask questions. It was very well attended with over 100 people turning up, including Councillors Andy Baker (Franklin), Alf Filipaina (Manukau) and Lotu Fuli (Manukau), plus local board members. It was good to have the opportunity to listen to residents of the Howick Local Board and understand their questions and concerns.

While every community is impacted differently, many of the concerns are similar. Questions were asked about the social, transport and water infrastructure required to support the intensification. Staff acknowledged these challenges and that outcome of this process (expected to conclude mid-2027) will help inform future plans and investment. It's a challenging conversation and I was impressed by the staff's willingness to respond as best they could.

It's important to remember that the requirement to increase housing capacity in Auckland has been mandated by Parliament and we can only choose where (not if) we enable more intensification.

There is another session coming up which will cover Central and East Auckland on Monday 1 Dec 06:30 pm to 08:00 pm at the Aotea Centre.

It's vital that everyone takes the opportunity to be heard, sharing their concerns and questions while there is this opportunity.

You can find out more, including how to have your say online here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan

Submissions close: Friday 19 December 2025, 5pm

Weekly Wrap Up: 17 November 2025

Each week I’ll provide a quick summary of the meetings and events I’ve attended as a member of the Howick Local Board (HLB). This is my report for last week, starting Monday 17 November - please let me know if this is helpful.

On Monday, I attended Elected Members training, along with other members of the Howick, Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke, Waitematā, Ōrākei, and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Boards. We were also joined by Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley and Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson (Ward Councillor for Ōrākei). We discussed what was necessary for effective meetings and community engagement in interactive and informative sessions. It was also a good opportunity to reconnect with returning members and meet the new members of the central Local Boards.

We finished with a tour of the Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) command centre. They have a small team on at all times (including oncall after hours) but will call on the hundreds of trained staff within the wider Auckland Council group when they need to scale up and the room was setup to take on the extra help with desks, phones and procedures prepared. Situational awareness is vital in an emergency and AEM have better access to information than ever before, displayed on dynamic monitors filling one wall.

Auckland Emergency Management

On Thursday we had our Howick Local Board workshop - these are informal sessions where staff brief us on upcoming issues and answer our questions. Unfortunately most of these were closed and/or confidential so I'm unable to reveal what was discussed:

• Eastern Busway - I asked the project to confirm the impact of opening of the flyover on Ti Rākau Dr and they will come back to us.

• Induction: Communication in the new term

• Community Playground fencing proposal

• Leases for Bucklands Beach Yacht Club and Howick Sailing Club

The open session was on community engagement and we had a good discussion on how to connect with individuals and groups we don't normally hear from.

On Friday I attended an afternoon tea hosted by Botany MP Christopher Luxon to celebrate and thank local community organisations for their work. It was also an opportunity to thank his electorate staff who work with local residents on a wide range of issues.

On Saturday I attended the funeral for Michael Williams. Known locally as the former Principal of Pakūranga College, he had a long and distinguished career in education. His impact was very visible with the large turnout of former students and colleagues from numerous colleges across Auckland.

This coming week:

• Tuesday Plan Change 120 intensification public meeting (https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands...)

• Thursday HLB workshop (see separate post for details)

• Saturday Barry Curtis destination playground opening 10am-12noon

• Sunday Stockade Hill Christmas Lighting 6-9pm

Trans rights are human rights

Today (20 November) is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to remember those trans people we have lost to violence, discrimination, and bigotry. It forms part of Trans Awareness Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty, resilience, and courage of the trans community.

Transgender rights are human rights and the most fundamental is the right to self determination. Thanks to the unwavering determination and solidarity of many, we have made incredible progress. But sadly, due to ideologically driven agendas, cheap politics, and imported culture wars these rights are still under threat.

This day and every day I say to our trans whānau - you are seen, loved, and valued.

Public consultation open on Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification and Resilience

Auckland Council is currently consulting on Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification and Resilience.

Submissions close 5pm, Friday 19 December 2025.

Read more: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/submissions-open-on-auckland-s-future-housing-plan/

Howick Local Board inauguration 2025

“I declare that I will faithfully and impartially, and according to the best of my skill and judgement, execute and perform, in the best interests of the Howick area…”

Last Thursday evening, the Howick Local Board held our inaugural meeting. It's a significant event, our first meeting of the new term where we're sworn in and elect our Chairperson and Deputy. It was wonderful that so many members of our diverse communities were present to witness it. For me, it was particularly special to have my parents, partner, and one of my dear friends as my invited guests. We finished with delightful performances from a local community organisation, the New Zealand Multicultural Arts and Sport Centre.

For the next three years Bruce Kendall is the Chairperson, with three Deputies - starting with Kai Zeng (until October 2026), then Krish Naidu (until October 2027) and finally Jack Collins (until October 2028).

I am extremely proud of what we achieved last term by working together to deliver for the community. I believe I proved myself as Chairperson and was looking forward to continuing to lead the Board. I've been open and transparent about my intentions and what I would bring to the role. Unfortunately some members chose to take a different approach and ultimately they won by a slim majority (6 vs 5). An effort to elect an experienced Deputy for the beginning of the term to help smooth the transition also failed.

Regardless of the outcome, I'm very grateful for the support I received, both around the table and from the wider community. Unburdened by the duties of the Chair, I'm looking forward to continuing to represent the Botany community over the next three years.

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is facing some significant challenges - intensification and population growth; transport and RMA reform; limited funding and an uncertain economy. None of this will be easy to tackle, but I remain committed to delivering for our communities in my capacity as a Member of the Howick Local Board.

Have your say: pilot of fortnightly rubbish collections

🗑 Aucklanders send around 1.5 million tonnes of rubbish to landfill every year – enough to fill Eden Park every week. Much of it could be recycled or repurposed instead.

Auckland Council is keen for public feedback on a potential pilot of moving to fortnightly rubbish collection. They want to test fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections for 10,000 households in parts of three areas:
📍Te Atatū Peninsula
📍Panmure / Tāmaki
📍Clendon Park and Weymouth

If approved, the trial will run for six months. Rubbish collection in these areas would be fortnightly (every two weeks instead of every week) and keep food scraps collection weekly and recycling collections fortnightly. If approved, the trial will run from late February 2026 until late August 2026. At the end of the trial, participants will return to weekly rubbish collections.

The trial would help council understand:
❓ how households manage with less frequent rubbish collections
❓ what support they might need
❓ what affect this has on reducing waste to landfill.

You can have your say from 9am Monday 13 October - 11.59pm Friday 31 October.

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/proposed-fortnightly-rubbish-collection-trial

Thank you Botany!

Progress results show that I've been returned to the Howick Local Board as one of the two representatives for Botany. Thank you to locals for your vote of confidence in me.

Unfortunately I haven't been elected to Auckland Council. My congratulations to Maurice Williamson (who has been returned) and Bo Burns. Well done to them both and commiserations to the other unsuccessful candidates.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me, who helped my campaign - your support means a lot, regardless of the outcome.

I'm thrilled to be back on the Local Board - I've really enjoyed the past three years and we've achieved a lot. But there's more to do - we're opening a library in Ormiston in January, with more progress on the Flat Bush facilities underway. We need to tackle our gaps in playgrounds and sportsfields, while coping with massive budget shortfalls. We'll be taking on more responsibilities for transport, while housing intensification looms over the city.

It's great to see that the Howick Local Board will benefit from the experience of returning members, as well as from some fresh new faces. Congratulations to all the new and returning members.

Note:

• Progress results include votes received until the evening of Friday 10 October 2025. They do not include special votes or votes received on Saturday morning.

• Preliminary results include votes received on the morning of Saturday 11 October 2025. Special votes are still not included. Preliminary results will be announced on Monday 13 October 2025.

• Final results and official results include all votes, including special votes. They will be released by Friday 17 October 2025.
  
  Results can be found here: https://voteauckland.co.nz/en/2025-local-election-results.html

Thank you for an amazing three years!

With the election tomorrow, time is running out to vote. If you haven't had your say, make sure you get your vote into one of the orange boxes at your local library, supermarket or transport station before Midday.

Thank you you to everyone who has helped with my campaign. From volunteers who've delivered leaflets to residents who've allowed me to use their fence for my signs - thank you. As an independent I don't have a big political party behind me, just dedicated passionate locals who want to see positive change.

Special thank you to my friends and whānau who have helped and supported me throughout the campaign and last three years.

It's been a privilege serving on the Howick Local Board for the last 3 years, as one of the representatives for Botany/Flat Bush and as the Chairperson. Despite the significant challenges we've faced, like budget cuts and unpredictable government reform, we've managed to deliver for our communities.

In addition to our ongoing support for the incredible Howick Youth Council, we delivered a dedicated space for our rangatahi (youth) with Te Taiwhanga Taiohi East Auckland Youth Space, funded through our effort saving the early childhood education previously known as KauriKids. We successfully advocated for funding for the long-awaited Flat Bush facilities (Community Centre and Library, Pool and Leisure Centre), and secured a lease for a temporary Library at Ormiston in the meantime. We strengthened our partnership with mana whenua, finally making progress on the dual naming of parks with Te Kete Rukuruku. We've boosted social cohesion with investment into Neighbourhood Support while delivering the local emergency readiness and response plan with Auckland Emergency Management. Our environmental programmes have delivered significant improvements thanks to our partnerships with Otara Waterways and Lake Trust, Pest Free Howick Ward and local residents. And we increased transparency by opening our workshops to the public and improved local democracy by giving Flat Bush their own representatives.

All of this has been a team effort and whatever happens tomorrow I'm proud of what we've done together - as a Board and as a community.

‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini’ – our strength is not made from us alone but made from many.

Vote today!

Voting for Auckland Council elections closes at midday Saturday 11 October!

To ensure your vote is received in time, make sure you deliver to one of the orange voting boxes available in all council libraries and selected supermarkets, retailers and transport stations.

If you haven't received your voting papers, you can go to Botany Library and they will help you out.

It's vital that everyone has their say so please make sure you vote. If you've already voted, please encourage your friends and whānau to vote.

Find out more here: https://voteauckland.co.nz/en.html

Happy Moon Festival!

On Monday, fellow Howick Local Board Adele White and I joined other guests at a wonderful celebration of the Moon Festival hosted by the Botany Chinese Association.

We were entertained by performances ranging from traditional Chinese Opera through to modern line dancing. Then we shared a wonderful meal, celebrating the diversity of our local population.

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival, it is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture.

Happy Diwali!

We had a fantastic evening on Saturday with South East Auckland Senior Citizens' Association (SEASCA) annual Diwali celebration. This group does amazing work with local seniors across the year, ensuring our elders aren't left behind.

I joined fellow Howick Local Board member Adele White, along with Councillors, Local Board members and the MP for Takanini. We were entertained by performances from Indian, Fijian, Samoan and Chinese groups, while we dined on delicious traditional food and sweets.

Diwali is an important Hindi festival that symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. As we celebrate together, it was a good reminder of the connections to the wider world.

Happy 114th Birthday Taiwan!

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It was a pleasure to attend the celebration last night hosted by Kendra Chen, the Director General of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office. Fellow Howick Local Board member Adele White and I joined other guests to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The Hakka Lion Dance by National Taiwan Sports University was incredible, showcasing their athletic and cultural skills. An indigenous performance brought a rich cultural diversity to the evening, with guests joining in.

Many Taiwanese call East Auckland their home and it was wonderful to see them represented last night, including one of our busy local supermarkets at the economic showcase.

Taiwan is a world leader in technology and innovation, as well as a beacon of hope and democracy in South East Asia. As a major trading partner with a free trade agreement, we have the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas, while working together on common goals and values.

When I visited Taiwan, I was impressed by the beautiful natural environment, delicious food, and welcoming people. I cannot wait to return to explore more of this fantastic country with a rich cultural history.

Public consultation on fortnightly rubbish pilot coming soon

“Every year Aucklanders send over a million tonnes of rubbish to landfill. The proposed trial is a chance for trial participants to help us explore new ways to reduce waste and protect our environment. By sharing your views through the consultation, you’ll help shape the future of Auckland’s waste services as we move towards a more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau.” Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions, Auckland Council

Auckland Council is considering running a six-month pilot of fortnightly rubbish collections, but wants public input first.

Other councils across NZ have moved to fortnightly, including Hamilton and Tauranga where household kerbside waste to landfill has reduced by about half. Recent audits show roughly half of what’s in Auckland rubbish bins could be recycled or reprocessed instead of going to landfill.

If the six-month-long trial goes ahead, ratepayers in the selected areas would receive a reduction on their rates (depending on the size of their bin).

Consultation on the proposed trial runs from 13 to 31 October 2025. Feedback can be given online, at in-person drop-in sessions, or through feedback forms available at libraries and local board offices.

All feedback will be presented to the relevant committee of the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) in December 2025, who will then decide whether the trial should go ahead.

Read more here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/consultation-opens-soon/

Eastern Busway update for Oct 2025

🚌 Eastern Busway update for October 2025

In this edition:
🥳 Rā Hihi – flyover opens
🔨 Tī Rākau Bridge takes shape
🚧 Construction updates

https://e.at.govt.nz/mail/view/x4mgt2zrk334f1gp13h03hn49s05bzy1ct3ck_vdj88jkmchz020m143h6_78s9r9bsz426z06yvv7fkq2j8b

More information is available at:
🖥 www.easternbusway.nz
📧 info@easternbusway.nz
☎️ 0800 287 929

Business East Tāmaki transport breakfast

Howick Local Board Member Peter Young, me, and Deputy Bo Burns

Thank you Business East Tāmaki for hosting another fantastic breakfast meeting this morning. I attended along with Howick Local Board Deputy Bo Burns and Member Peter Young.

It was great opportunity with Hon Chris Bishop Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and RMA Reform (among others) speaking about the challenges and opportunities that Auckland faces. While none of it will be easy, he was optimistic about the future for Auckland.

This was followed up by Auckland Transport CEO Dean Kimpton who has done a great job leading the organisation over the past few years, transforming the organisation to be more community led.

And finally we heard from Matt Zame from Eastern Busway. Perfect timing as the flyover opened this morning to traffic, give months ahead of schedule and under budget. There's more work to do, which will help support the local economy with less congestion and more transport choices.

Thank you to RSM for sponsoring the breakfast.

New plan for housing intensification

Last week the Governing Body of Auckland Council (Mayor and Councillors) voted to approve the replacement plan for intensification.

The old version (Plan Change 78) was required by central government legislation. By law, it could not reduce building in high-risk hazard areas or opt out of blanket rules allowing three-storey homes across Auckland – including areas with limited transport connections.

It's replacement, Plan Change 120, will:

• introduce stronger planning rules in high-risk flood and natural hazard areas, reducing future risk to people and property.

• remove blanket three-storey housing rules (known as the Medium Density Residential Standards) across almost every residential area across Auckland.

• focus new homes around the city centre, town centres, rapid transit stops such as train stations, Northern/Eastern Busways, and frequent bus routes..

• meet government directions for increased building heights around five key Western Line stations: 15 storeys at Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside; and 10 storeys at Baldwin Avenue and Mt Albert stations.

• give infrastructure providers a clearer picture of where growth is expected, compared to Plan Change 78.

While not everything in Plan Change 120 is good, it's fixing much of the problems with Plan Change 78. The biggest challenge is the legally mandated requirement to one for 2million homes (up from the 900k in the original Auckland Unitary Plan). I'm pleased to see that the Governing Body included this in their resolution:

"note Auckland Council’s firm position that the outcomes for Aucklanders are more important than meeting a theoretical housing capacity target and that the Independent Hearing Panel and Auckland Council (as final decision maker) must be able to focus on achieving the best outcomes for Auckland through the final form of plan-enabled housing capacity."

By 10 October 2025 council will write to the Minister for the Environment seeking approval to notify the new replacement plan change.

Public notification is expected by the end of October (subject to the minister’s agreement) with public submissions are expected to open from 3 November to 19 December 2025 (subject to the minister’s agreement). Following submissions, public hearings will be held by an Independent Hearings Panel.

Read more here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/new-plan-approved-for-auckland-s-future/