Flat Bush Pop Up Library coming soon!

📚 Flat Bush Pop-up Library is coming soon!

In our Howick Local Board open workshop today, staff presented an update on the temporary library space for Flat Bush. The community has waited a long time for the library they were promised and while this isn't the permanent facility, I'm thrilled to see that we're closer than we've ever been before. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it's fantastic to see real progress!

I've attached some of the designs that we were shown today, giving you a sense of how the space will work. The design makes use of adaptive seating and shelving layouts to allow the library to evolve with community needs, supporting a wide range of activities with minimal waste.

It's important to note that the space is smaller than a normal library but will still provide core services you'll find across the city:
✅Book a librarian and customer service support
✅Physical space to connect, use and enjoy
✅Physical library collection browsing and check outs, including self-check out, customer requested items (Hold or Pick-ups) and return of library items
✅Wifi, Public computers, photocopying / printing / scanning
✅Library programming

This project represents a significant investment from the Howick Local Board which required us to make some tough decisions last term to free up the funding. This is important to our community so we prioritised it to make it happen.

Massive thanks to the staff who have been working tirelessly since the decision in June to secure the lease and get the library underway.

Thank you to mana whenua for their involvement and support - your contributions to this project have helped design a unique and community-centred environment.

And of course thank you to the Ormiston Town Centre who will be hosting us. Located just outside the foodcourt, the pop up library will be open 55 hours per week (Mon – Sat 10am to 6pm; Sun 10am – 5pm to align with the town centre opening.

At this stage staff have indicated that the opening should be on (or around) the end of March 2026, but this is subject to change. There's a lot of work to get this space ready for the community and we'll confirm the final details for the opening early in 2026.

This is just a temporary space and we haven't stopped working on the full, permanent facility that has been promised. We've got land allocated (visible from the entrance to the pop up library) and funding approved over the next few years to build it. Running in parallel to this pop up, staff have been working on the options for the full facilities (including pool and recreation centre) and we're expecting more information in early 2026.

Here is the link to the presentation and designs that we were presented today: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeting/10192/65185?type=1&docId=18952

East Auckland turn out for public meeting on intensification

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 night there was a public information session for East Auckland to understand more about the proposed changes and what it might mean for their communities. Originally there wasn't one specifically planned for East Auckland, with an earlier event in Ōtara (which I attended) intended to cover South and East Auckland. Howick Ward Councillors Bo Burns and Maurice Williamson asked staff to arrange one which they did. Given the potential impact of the changes, it was no surprise that there was a strong turnout with over 400 residents turning up. There were representatives from most of the local residents associations and other community groups as well as Councillors and Local Board Members.

Staff provided an overview of the proposed changes, before responding to questions received via an electronic system. Given the number of people in the room, I understand the need for structure although many residents were disappointed that there was no opportunity for verbal comments or questions (as we saw at the other event in Ōtara).

Key points from the presentation
🏘️Intensification has been mandated by the Government through legislation and Auckland must respond.
🏘️Better protections against natural hazards have come into immediate legal effect, giving council more powers to restrict or decline development in high risk areas.
🏘️Intensification is focused around town centres and rapid transport although, because of the requirement to meet 2 million dwellings,
🏘️Submissions are how the public can have their say and will shape the future of the plan.

Most importantly please make sure you complete your submission before it closes on 19 December. See https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan

Submissions will be read by the Independent Hearing Commissioners with an option for residents to speak to their submission, before a recommendation is made to Auckland Council for final decision in mid-2027.

I've tried to capture some of the key questions below that were asked and roughly the answers given but these aren't verbatim - please ask if you need clarification on anything here.

❓How will Auckland Council manage stormwater runoff causing sewerage overflows now let alone when more infill housing occurs as planned?
Staff acknowledge that infrastructure is already a challenge, and catering for growth remains difficult while trying to maintain what we have. Funding is a major constraint and the Government has promised to provide more options, although we’re still waiting for this.

❓Where does the 2 million dwelling target come from?
It is a theoretical maximum based on fully developing everywhere across Auckland using the (now defunct) Medium Density Residential Standards (often referred to as 3x3 as it allowed three buildings up to three storeys). Auckland Council doesn't agree with this target, but Government included it within the legislation so we have no choice but to comply.

❓What changes will the council implement to keep the streets clear for vehicles so that oncoming traffic can pass on the main streets?
Auckland Council cannot require parking because the previous Government removed this option and the new Government has not returned it.

❓As Howick is not on a public transport corridor, and is in fact, isolated from direct rapid public transport, why are we included in this intensification plan.
Howick has been designated a town centre which the Government requires upzoning using walkable catchment.

❓6-7 weeks is way too short of time for ratepayers to consider and understand the plan changes
Auckland Council agrees it is too short but it's been mandated by the Government. This is not how or when council would do it if we had the choice.

❓Do covenants still take precedence over unitary plans and if so why is council not supporting them?
Yes, they do still take precedent. They're managed through the Property Act and enforced through courts. However, Auckland Council cannot rely on them as part of the zoning process as they're not part of the Resource Management Act (RMA).

❓Fundamentally, why is intensification required? Auckland is not going to follow other cities with populations over 5m people, for probably 50 yrs. Why now?
Auckland Council has always said that growth, managed well, is good and required for the city to succeed. Successive governments have agreed, pushing Auckland to grow faster than council has planned.

❓Has there been any consideration for the Heritage sites in Howick and the rich historical history that will be lost amongst the proposed high rise developments?
It has been considered and protections like the Stockade Hill View Shaft are maintained.

❓What about the value of my house?
Zoning can lead to increases or decreases in property prices, as the land values change and markets respond. Higher zoned land may be worth more to a developer than it was before. Protection of property value isn't covered by the the Resource Management Act (RMA) so could not be considered as part of this planning process.

❓Is this a done deal?
No, absolutely not. The only thing that has taken effect is the increased protection for natural hazards. The rest of the plan is proposed, pending public submissions, hearings and final decisions. There will be changes, there always are changes so make sure you submit.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

More safety improvements coming for The Parade, Bucklands Beach

The Howick Local Board (HLB) has been working with Auckland Transport (AT) on safety improvements for The Parade, Bucklands Beach.

Stage 2 proposed changes to six sites identified as needing attention by the public, local board, and/or traffic survey.

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This went out for public consultation in July with over 500 letters delivered and social media adverts. 24 responses were received with 50% (12 responses) in support, 33% (8 responses) against and 17% (4 responses) neutral.

Based on public feedback, AT have made some changes to the proposal:
Site 2 (23/24 The Parade): don't install yellow lines (as these might be confusing)
Site 6 (Laings Road): remove side island, add additional road markings and high friction surface

On Thursday 18 September, the HLB was asked for approval to construct the project. After a robust discussion, the Board agreed to proceed with four sites:
🚧 Site 1 (Devon Road): new pedestrian side islands
🚧 Site 3 (41 The Parade): new side islands
🚧 Site 4 (Wharf Road): zebra painted on existing raised platform, new streetlighting
🚧 Site 6 (Laings Road): intersection upgrade (including high-friction surfacing)

While the following two sites have been deferred, pending further discussions between the HLB and AT:
🚧 Site 2 (23/24 The Parade): New pedestrian refuge and side islands
🚧 Site 5 (55 The Parade): New pedestrian side islands

Next steps: construction dates will be confirmed and communicated once they are known.

👉My opinion: I felt that we should have proceeded with all six sites and proposed this, but an amendment to defer two was successful. The funding for this needs to be spent before June 2026 and Auckland Transport did warn us that deferring parts of the project may incur extra cost and/or end up with the deferred portions not being delivered.

Our full minutes are available here: https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2025/09/20250918_HW_MIN_11596_WEB.htm

The full recording of the meeting is available here (this item starts at 1hr 12min): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNiuqKCzobSzQ05kCv2JI2iefmDp2_tEh

Funding secured to progress Ostrich Farm sports fields in Flat Bush

“The Howick Local Board is pleased to see this funding for this critical project that will provide vital sports field capacity for South East Auckland. We've got massive and growing demand for sports fields, and this funding allows us to deliver this project sooner and better.”

We're desperately short on sports fields in East Auckland so when there was an opportunity to secure some of the proceeds from the airport share sales, this was our candidate project.

With 14 projects worth $57.3M asking for their share of the $20M it was always going to be a tough competition. While we didn't get as much as we'd hoped, this contribution will help us deliver this project that has been delayed due to a lack of funding.

Read more online: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/ostrich-farm-sports-fields-gain-ground/

New leaders for Flat Bush from October 2025

Flat Bush is a significant and growing community that deserves good representation. Until now, they've been represented by the Botany subdivision of the Howick Local Board which included 70,000 residents from Northpark to Clover Park.

As one of the representatives for Botany and Flat Bush, it was a privilege to serve this amazing community. Facing budget challenges, we’ve worked hard to address the gaps in services and facilities like Te Taiwhanga Taiohi Youth Space (opened April 2024), Barry Curtis destination playground (due later this year), and the Ormiston Pop Up Library (due January 2026). We’ve secured funding for the long-awaited Flat Bush facilities (Library\Community Centre, and Pool\Leisure Centre) while bringing the locals together with funding for Neighbourhood Support and community-led Celebrating Cultures.

But with such a large, diverse community it’s a big task for three representatives. I am proud to be involved in the decision-making that led to the creation of the Flat Bush subdivision. Backed by 86% of locals, the change means better representation for both Botany and Flat Bush.

Next Saturday there's a community-led public meeting for candidates standing for this new position, a great opportunity for locals to come along and learn more about their options for voting.

• Saturday 20 September 10:30am to 12noon

• Ormiston Senior College, 275 Ormiston Road

For more information on the elections, including candidates, check out the Auckland Council www.voteauckland.co.nz

Howick Local Board feedback on draft intensification

Government (aka Parliament) has instructed Auckland Council that we must provide for more housing intensification - by law we have no choice but to allocate capacity for 2 million new dwellings (read more about this here).

And they've set incredibly tight timeframes to make the decision on which plan to use. Auckland must choose either:

1. Plan Change 78 which couldn't downzone high risk locations, had to allow 3 houses up to 3 storeys on almost every property (MDRS), and was notified in 2022.
   OR

2. replacement plan change that has intensification more focused, reducing intensification in the highest risk areas, but draft maps have only just be released.

   Last week the Howick Local Board held an additional meeting to formalise our feedback into the process. We did our best in the short timeframe to make our community aware and 75 people turned up to our meeting (setting new record). We’re doing everything we can to ensure that our community’s voice is heard so we held a public forum with 13 people/groups speaking to us (another new record). Plus countless emails, phone calls, social media replies and more.
   
   We took nearly four hours to listen, consider, and formulate our feedback. Given the tight timeframes and complex issues, it wasn't easy and we're grateful to the public and staff for their input and support. In the end we:
   ❎ opposed both plan changes and requested more realistic timeframes to do this properly
   ✅ supported improvements to focus intensification, return single house zones, and better controls to avoid natural hazards.
   ❎ opposed Howick Village upzoning and asked for stronger protections for Stockade Hill
   ❎ opposed upzoning through Cockle Bay transport corridor on basis of poor infrastructure, huge impact, and marginal evidence
   ℹ️ provided alternatives for upzoning, closer to existing infrastructure and other intensification
   
   Next step is for the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) to consider the feedback of all 21 local boards, mana whenua, nearby councils, and government ministries. They will then make their decision in late September.
   
   You can find our full feedback in our minutes available here: https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2025/08/20250828_HW_MIN_13699_WEB.htm
   
   And a recording of our meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNiuqKCzobSzQ05kCv2JI2iefmDp2_tEh

Transparency is vital to our democracy

Being an elected member for Auckland Council is a privilege. But it also comes with responsibilities and we're remunerated for our time. We're not volunteers and it's reasonable to expect that we turn up to do our job.

As part of providing transparency, Auckland Council publishes the attendance for elected members at business meetings and workshops. For Local Boards, these are published every quarter and available online for the whole term.

For some reason, Auckland Council reports and publishes this information differently for the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillor) with only the past 3 months showing. There also appears to be some gaps in the data, so I've asked for the information for the full term.

In the meantime, I've collated the Howick Local Board data for the last term (January 2023 to June 2025). Over this period we had a total of 36 business meetings and 92 workshops.

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Absences may be due to leave, illness, bereavement or attending other council business - we don't record the reasons for members being away, you'd need to ask them. We also don't record any difference between online or in-person attendance - I've asked staff if we can do this but I'm told it's not current practice.

You'll note I was absent for two workshops - for one (May 2023) I was on leave (for my partners significant birthday) and another I was at the Governing Body trying to advocate for our community. I also attended one workshop online as I was sick, and we've had two workshops entirely online due to technology issues. Otherwise I have been present in the room for every workshop and business meeting this term.

You can see more (including the source data, other local boards and councillors) on the Auckland Council website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/performance-transparency/Pages/attendance-governing-body-meetings.aspx

Consultation on Kerrykeel Drive, Flat Bush

Ormiston Primary School, along with residents, parents and the wider Flat Bush community, has raised concerns about pedestrian safety and high traffic speeds in the vicinity of the school.

In response, the Howick Local Board asked Auckland Transport to investigate improvements to make the roads safer and easier to navigate for everyone, especially for tamariki using Kerrykeel Drive.

The proposed changes are:
1️⃣At the Kerrykeel Drive/Arranmore Drive roundabout:
🚧two road-level zebra crossings on the eastern and western sides of the roundabout (replacing refuge islands)
🚧 new pedestrian refuge island crossing on Arranmore Drive

Eleven on-street parking spaces near the crossings will be reprioritised as “no stopping at all times” zones and marked with broken yellow lines to improve visibility near pedestrian crossings.

2️⃣On Kerrykeel Drive (near Springside Drive)
🚧 Upgrade the existing pedestrian refuge island crossing to a school patrolled road level zebra crossing.
🚧 installing high friction surfacing on the approaches to the zebra crossing to make it easier for drivers to stop more quickly and safely when approaching a pedestrian crossing
🚧 New cycle ramps and widened footpath on the northern side of the crossing to assist with cyclist movements

Public consultation is open until 6 August. You can find out more, including how to have your say, here: https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/kerrykeel-drive-arranmore-drive-roundabout

Consultation on Sunnyview Ave

In response to community concerns about the lack of crossing facilities on Sunnyview Avenue, the Howick Local Board asked Auckland Transport to investigate options to make it safer for children and families to get to Shelly Park Primary School.

The proposal is to:
🚧 install a new zebra crossing on Sunnyview Avenue, monitored by school patrols
🚧 install new pram crossings and street lighting on either side of the crossing
🚧 replace 5 kerbside parking spaces between the school bus stop and the new crossing with broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times).

Shelly Park Primary School and the community dental clinic will be more accessible. It will be easier for tamariki and whānau to walk, bike or scoot to school. Road markings and parking changes will make it easier to see pedestrians. This will make them safer.

If you have questions or feedback you can phone 09 355 3553 or email atengagement@at.govt.nz with the subject line ‘Shelly Park Primary School crossing’.

Before construction begins, Auckland Transport will contact residents directly affected by the works.