- By Jack Collins, Howick Local Board member
It’s been 78 days since I was sworn in as a member of the Howick Local Board, representing our four subdivisions: Howick, Pakuranga, Botany, and the recently added Flat Bush.
During this time, alongside my fellow members, we’ve completed the Local Board induction programme, Chair’s training, and legal briefings, and participated in a range of workshops, including my first formal business meeting.
I’ve also met with local leaders and residents to discuss community issues, attended local events and celebrations, and begun what’s already proven to be a valuable and rewarding learning journey.
Towards the end of last year, the Howick Local Board progressed several key initiatives, many of which carried over from the previous term.
These included confirming the renovation and temporary closure of the Howick Library, along with the establishment of a temporary library at the Howick War Memorial Hall for approximately six months.
We also reviewed the design for the Flat Bush pop-up library, with an indicative opening planned for late March, 2026.
Another highlight was meeting with Howick ward councillor Bo Burns and fellow board members to discuss the future of the Howick Domain building and how we can work collaboratively to see it become operational.
As a relatively new member, I’ve particularly valued listening to feedback from our communities about the challenges they face.
These range from issues such as illegal dumping and budget constraints to broader concerns about council services and how we can best support and serve our residents.
These conversations are vital in helping the local board better understand local priorities and advocate effectively on behalf of their community.
As we move into the new year, I’m looking forward to the resumption of our local board workshops on January 29, which are open to the public.
In the first quarter, much of our focus will be on developing the Howick Local Board Plan.
This will involve engaging directly with residents, as your feedback will help shape what we deliver, advocate for, and represent.
Alongside this work, a personal goal of mine is to help make local politics more accessible, particularly for young people, by promoting transparency, awareness, and inclusion across the Howick Local Board area.
