- By Bruce Kendall, Howick Local Board chairperson
It’s been a busy period for the Howick Local Board following the local elections, with workshops, inductions, onboarding, and direction-setting to determine our schedule of workshops and business meetings.
We’ve also been working through role allocations, reconnecting with the community after the election period, and getting up to speed with long-standing complex projects such as the Flat Bush/Ormiston Library, Community Centre, and Pool.
This term will be particularly challenging for the Howick Local Board due to significant budget cuts.
These constraints will require us to make difficult decisions about renewals and long-requested community projects.
As a result, Auckland Council must continue investigating areas of wasteful spending and exploring new, more efficient ways of working, including partnering more effectively with community groups.
Plan Change 120 remains front of mind for many. Howick ward councillors Bo Burns and Maurice Williamson, along with the previous Howick Local Board, opposed the plan in its current form, and I expect the new board will maintain a similar stance.
Councillor Burns organised a local public meeting on the issue, which was held on December 9.
I and Local Board members Kai Zeng, Krish Naidu, and Jack Collins met with police to discuss crime prevention in Flat Bush.
A police-led community event was held at Cyril French Reserve, where steering locks were distributed and advice was given.
The key message: Do not leave valuables in your car or garage doors open.
I’ve been attending community weeding events in Macleans Park and Cyril French Reserve.
The scale of the environmental issues in these historically neglected reserves can feel overwhelming, but the dedication of community groups is encouraging, and new volunteers are always welcome.
The Barry Curtis Park Destination Playground has been officially opened.
This impressive playground represents years of careful planning with Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Local Board, council and community input.
Thanks to excellent work by council and contractors, to see it realised.
The Stockade Hill Lights event was unfortunately impacted by bad weather once again.
Despite this, the event happened the following Saturday, with performances that are consistently of a high standard.
Local Board members Jack Collins and Mike Turinsky attended the BMXNZ North Island Titles at the outstanding Mountain Raiders BMX track in Lloyd Elsmore Park – a major weekend event showcasing New Zealand’s potential future Olympians.
I and Local Board members Kai Zeng and Krish Naidu also attended the opening of the Radius Table Tennis Club on Cascades Road, east Auckland’s first professional-level facility.
With world-class coaching and strong support from the Auckland Table Tennis Association, this new venture is off to a promising start.
Despite the challenges ahead, I’m confident our board, councillors, and staff will give their all to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Wishing everyone a safe, enjoyable festive season and holiday break.
