- By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
As we farewell 2024, we look back on the year that has been.
In addition to our normal events, projects and activities, some highlights from this year include confirming our commitment to incorporate Māori culture, language, and stories into public spaces through Te Kete Rukuruku in March.
At the same meeting, we provided clarity on the future of Howick War Memorial Hall as a venue for hire.
In April we celebrated the opening of Te Taiwhanga Taiohi East Auckland Youth Space in the Botany Town Centre.
The same month we proudly supported the inaugural East Auckland Business Awards, celebrating our amazing local economy.
We secured the future of Kauri Kids Howick ECE through a new commercial operator in June, while balancing our budget.
Working with Auckland Transport we delivered transport safety projects including gravel footpaths for Flat Bush and Bucklands Beach.
Thanks to Auckland Emergency Management, we approved the Local Board Readiness and Response Plan in November.
Looking forward to 2025, we’ll be providing greater transparency through open-by-default workshops from January.
We’ll also be consulting the community on local and regional annual budgets in late February through March.
We’re looking forward to building the new Barry Curtis destination playground and replacement for the Wetlands Building, as well as the Lloyd Elsmore Skatepark due to start in early 2025.
Our advocacy to build the Flat Bush Community Centre and Library sooner has paid off, with funding due in July to get this under way.
In the meantime, we wish you and your whānau a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Find out more and stay in touch
Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HowickLB
Monthly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/42kdAlK
