Here’s a round of news relating to the work of the Howick Local Board.
Highland Park Library improvements
The busy Highland Park Library is getting more upgrades as part of its ongoing renewal project.
The library will stay open during this time with minimal disruption. Some of its car parks will close temporarily, with portable toilets available.
The work entails:
- The current toilet will become two modern, accessible toilets.
- Two new shade canopies will be added to the courtyard.
- Slippery courtyard trees will be removed and replaced with new planting at the entrance.
- Stormwater improvements from the new canopy roofs.
These changes will make the library more comfortable, safer, and easier to enjoy, especially during busy summer events.
The work started on July 21, with the toilets to be completed by mid-September and outdoor upgrades by late October.
Moth pod competition
Five east Auckland early childhood centres, 18 schools, and 19 open teams collectively removed 72,922 moth pods and 173,380 seedlings as well as 246,302 plants as part of an annual competition funded by the Howick Local Board.
The moth plant strangles native plants, spreads quickly, and has toxic, sticky sap.
People who remove it are advised to wear gloves, remove roots, pods, and vines, bag them securely, and bin them via Auckland Council rubbish bins or a local weed bin.
With 42 teams registered, students and community groups took part in the competition collecting pods, protecting nature, and going for some great prizes.
The competition ran from February to mid-May and included two categories: preschool and open for all school levels, with the prizegiving taking place in mid-June.
Along with the record-breaking entry numbers, the community came together and schools led the way with tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) taking action and inspiring their community to do the same.
Pest Free Howick Ward project manager Abi Cunninghame says: “This competition is about so much more than removing an invasive plant.
“It’s about building local pride, empowering communities, and showing what’s possible when we all work together.
“Every pod counted represents time, care, and commitment from people who want to see their neighbourhoods thrive.”
