Kia ora!
At the onset of Covid-19 level four lockdown starting last month, it was great to see our community fall straight back into the culture that became our way of life for weeks last year. We’ve seen local support groups kick back into action and a general reaching out to those requiring assistance.
Keeping safe during Covid
Within hours of a lockdown being announced, Auckland Council staff erected signage and taped-off playgrounds. It was disheartening in the following days to hear of members of the public removing signs and tape which had been put in place to ensure the safety of our residents young and old.
It was reported runners and cyclists on shared paths were puffing and spitting in the vicinity of others. Please observe safe behaviour and maintain an appropriate distance around others so we can all enjoy these facilities together.
Tidy and beautiful
Ongoing works are underway at Barry Curtis Park to remove pest plants and encroachments across the walkways. This is part of work across the Howick Local Board area to beautify our reserves and parks with flora and fauna. New plantings have been completed at Fencible Walk and Stockade Hill.
These gardens are replanted quarterly to maintain the visual aspect of these popular sites and to tie in with annual events held in Howick. Our flower beds are appreciated by the public with the council receiving many compliments about their visual aesthetics and the lovely aromas they produce.
Highbrook Park
The council is now responsible for Highbrook Park’s management. Throughout the first month of maintaining the park, contractors have worked hard to bring it up to a high standard, cutting 90 per cent of the turf twice in the first month and cutting back edges around the paths and outskirts.
This has allowed greater views across the Tamaki River and lessened encroachment across the paths, with people commenting on how beautiful the park is looking.
Macleans Park footpath renewal
Despite the uncertain weather over the past month or so, work has progressed steadily on the Macleans Park footpath renewal between Charles Dickens Drive and Macleans Road.
The path renewal has been carried out to different specifications along the length depending on drainage requirements. The total length of the path completed to date is approximately 500 metres. Covid lockdown permitting, the final 70m section to Macleans Road, along with disestablishment of the contractor’s compound, is planned to be finished by mid-September.
Children’s play spaces
The playground at Caithness Reserve has undergone a revamp to some of the play equipment. The new, modern design has brought life to the reserve with the topping up of mulch/cushion fall included for health and safety. At Armoy Park the playground has also had an upgrade.
The new play equipment has been painted brightly and fits in with the existing equipment that didn’t require replacement. Both play spaces are well used by local families and it has been great to see them, up until lockdown, enjoying the new equipment.
Moon Festival event cancelled
Unfortunately, due to the Covid lockdown, we’ve had to cancel the mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration which was planned for September.
Stay safe and well.
- Adele White, chairperson Howick Local Board
