Tag: Auckland Council
Board concerned over speed of Fast-Track Approvals Bill
The Howick Local Board is concerned at the speed with which the Government is moving its Fast-Track Approvals Bill through Parliament.
The Bill will enable...
Rates increases approved in Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034
Auckland Council has approved its Long-term Plan 2024-2034 and residents will see their rates rising for several years into the future as a result.
The...
Howick ward councillor praises AT board appointments
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson chaired the panel that selected Auckland Transport’s (AT) two new board members and he’s happy with the choices it's...
Democracy or dysfunction? Decision finally made on Howick War Memorial Hall
It took just one year and 45 days to construct the world-famous Empire State Building in New York City.
But, staggeringly, it took the Howick...
Government delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The Government recently announced we had delivered on our promise to provide a financially sustainable model for...
Williamson wants name of official behind Rotary Walkway decision
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson has been left in the dark on...
Kauri Kids Howick receives four-month lifeline to keep operating
Agreement has been reached for the Kauri Kids Howick early childhood centre to stay in operation until September 30 while negotiations continue with third-party...
Auckland Transport reveals design of Eastern Busway through Burswood
The Howick Local Board has again voiced its opposition to Auckland Transport’s (AT) plan to divert the Eastern Busway through Burswood.
Its members discussed the...
Water rates set to increase by 7.2 per cent
Aucklanders will avoid a staggering 25.8 per cent water rates rise due to the coalition Government implementing its Local Water Done Well policy.
The model,...
Contractor seen defecating in bushes near playground
An Auckland Council contractor is no longer employed after allegedly defecating in bushes near a popular local playground earlier this year.
The man was spotted...
$18m in funding but no cash for Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has approved close to $18 million in its latest funding...
Bo Burns takes the reins of the Times
East Auckland's leading community news provider - the Times - is back!
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the long-standing local news provider has...
First electric ferry charger to be installed at Half Moon Bay
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport (AT) says electric ferry charging infrastructure is expected to be installed...
Council beefs up security due to public aggression
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Public aggression towards Māori and Rainbow communities has prompted questions over Auckland Council...
Public places to receive Maori names
Nineteen public places in east Auckland will receive Maori names as part of a commitment for te reo to be "seen, heard, spoken, and...
Developer shoots down false Kainga Ora rumours
Misinformation is spreading on social media about Kainga Ora’s supposed involvement in an east Auckland housing development.
Members of local community Facebook pages have commented...
Councillors question reinstating bins after community upset
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Community upset after Auckland Council’s removal of thousands of bins has prompted councillors...
Appeal for return of stolen Howick 175 plaque
Whoever has possession of a plaque installed as part of Howick’s 175th anniversary celebrations is being asked to return it after it was allegedly...
‘Eventually there’s going to be more rubbish than grass’
The amount of rubbish Dave Upfold removed from a short stretch of an east Auckland road in just 60 seconds is staggering.
To highlight a...
Mystery over missing Howick 175th commemoration plaque
A plaque installed as part of Howick’s 175th anniversary commemorations has seemingly gone missing.
It was unveiled by Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon...
Auckland Council faces off with Government over Eastern Busway
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is calling on the coalition Government to fund the Eastern Busway...
Watercare rules out Beachlands wastewater discharge into Hauraki Gulf
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Watercare confirms a discharge pipeline into the Hauraki Gulf from Beachlands is now...
Relief at the pump from July 1
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
A few weeks ago, the Government announced we would be repealing the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT)...
Three Waters repeal sees Watercare increase water charges
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Watercare charges are expected to rise by over 25 percent this...
Reporting errors leave bad taste in the mouth
The owner of a Howick eatery has been left shell-shocked after major news agencies published Auckland Council food gradings that were out of date...
Howick Local Board is working for our community
By Damian Light, chair of the Howick Local Board
We hope everyone had a relaxing and restful break as we've got another big year...
Trolley derby set for take off
The wonderful Beachlands Maraetai Trolley Derby will be another big event if the past is anything to go by.
Pohutukawa Coast Rotary organises the popular...
Work under way to repair road slip but questions remain
An east Auckland road is being repaired to prevent part of it from falling down the cliff below but concerns are being raised about...
Debate over management of public facility heats up
The Howick Local Board is again going into a new year without having resolved the contentious long-standing debate over management of a public facility.
Conflict...
Former police station demolished to make way for townhouses
One of east Auckland's most iconic public buildings is being demolished to make way for a residential housing development.
The long-unoccupied building that occupies 34...
Rubbish bins being removed to save $10 million
Backlash is growing against efforts to remove more than 150 rubbish bins from public parks and reserves in the local community in an effort...
RSA looking for new home
The Howick RSA - which was recently sold - has a temporary base at its Sale Street flats which will be used until new...
Local board to canvas public support for ‘dump station’
The Howick Local Board will next year consider if it's got money in its budget to fund an east Auckland facility provided to motor...
‘Only rain should go down the drain’
Two environmentally-minded east Auckland community leaders are encouraging the public to help protect precious local waterways.
Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum co-ordinator Nichola Painter and co-chair...
Call for Williamson to be investigated after questionable comment
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson’s hot-mic moment has landed him in hot...
Chartered accountant Nancy Lu enters Parliament as List MP
East Auckland chartered accountant Nancy Lu has a new career, having entered Parliament as a National Party List MP.
Her new role is due to...
Marina closes ‘dump station’ due to costly vandalism
An east Auckland facility used by motorhome and caravan users has been so badly damaged by vandals that the people who operate it have...
Auckland Transport hints at increasing ferry fares
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport (AT) says ferry fares are just not covering the cost to...
Bishop blesses St Paul’s build site
The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, the Right Reverend Ross Bay, has blessed the build site of a new east Auckland church.
The ceremony at St...
Councillor Williamson reveals new-found Māori ancestry
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick Ward councillor Maurice Williamson was 'welcomed to the family' when he...
700 per cent increase for motorcycle deaths in Auckland
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport (AT) says there has been a 700 per cent increase...
Public demands new library and community centre
One of the themes of the feedback about what people want to see happen in east Auckland in the coming years is the need...
Woman injured after tripping on cracked footpath
A senior citizen injured after tripping over a cracked footpath in east Auckland needs an x-ray to find out if the impact loosened her...
Darrow appointed acting chair of Auckland Transport
Former east Auckland resident and experienced business leader Mark Darrow has been named the new acting chair of Auckland Transport (AT).
Darrow, who used to...
Hundreds provide feedback to Howick Local Board’s draft plan
Several hundred people have provided detailed feedback about what they want to see happen in the community over the next three years.
The Howick Local...
Dog attacks on the rise across Auckland
A new report shows the number of dog attacks as well as aggressive and roaming canines is on the rise across the city.
Auckland Council's...
Turning food scraps into clean energy for Auckland’s future
The signs around Howick say the new food scrap bins will begin be rolled out around mid-October. The new green bin that will arrive...
Traffic fears over 92-unit residential development
A resident living near the site of a proposed large-scale east Auckland housing development is worried about the impact it may have on traffic...
Homes to replace leaky buildings when children’s charity moves
An east Auckland charity that supports at-risk children has sold its property as its buildings are leaky and need replacing.
As the Times recently reported, a...
92 residential units proposed for 1.4ha site by marina
A property developer is proposing to build almost 100 residential units on a prime piece of east Auckland land in a sign of the...
Independent Māori Statutory Board member James Brown dies
By Staff and Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Independent Māori Statutory Board member James Brown has been remembered for...
Anger over removal of large trees to make way for Eastern...
One part of east Auckland is looking a little less green after numerous tall trees were chopped down to make way for the Eastern...
Mayor asks for clear guidance on what to do in emergencies
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland's Mayor has asked for clear guidance on how future emergencies will be handled...
Rugby club’s $9m plan to back other codes
One of east Auckland's most accomplished sports clubs has a bold vision that will enable it to foster other codes in the local community.
Pakuranga...
Draft Howick Local Board Plan out for consultation
We're excited to present our draft Local Board Plan for feedback.
We've spent the first half of this year out talking to locals about what's...
Mike Lee ousted from Auckland Transport board
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Councillor Mike Lee has been ousted from his seat at the Auckland Transport...
Accountant Nancy Lu selected as National Party candidate
An east Auckland chartered accountant is standing as a List-only candidate for the National Party at this year's general election.
Nancy Lu says as a...
Kainga Ora rejects social media claims
Kainga Ora - formerly Housing NZ - is swatting down claims made on social media it's planning to build public housing at two adjacent...
Final chance to share views on Howick Local Board’s draft plan
People have one last chance to have their say on a document that details the Howick Local Board's strategy and goals for the next...
Approval granted to build water sports centre
The Howick Local Board has granted landowner approval to a trust proposing to build a water sports facility in east Auckland.
The board voted on...
Auckland Council drops its biosecurity responsibilities, boating association says
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
A boating association is calling for help from the Hauraki Gulf Forum as fears...
Councillors fear IMSB will colour consultation for Māori seats
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Councillors fear the public's lack of awareness about the Independent Māori Statutory Board...
Messy berms make community ‘look rundown’
Grass berms are getting scruffy in parts of east Auckland and residents want something done about it.
Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Ratepayers and Residents Association...
Oaken Residences coming to former police site
The first stage of the property development planned for the site of the former Howick Police station is expected to be completed by October...
Sun shines on planting day at Mangemangeroa
The Friends of Mangemangeroa, along with around 120 volunteers from various organisations including Rotary, Botany & Flat Bush Ethnic Association, Pakuranga Chinese Association, Botany...
Auckland Council votes to sell seven per cent of its Airport...
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
A two-day brawl among councillors for Auckland Council’s shares in Auckland International...
Mayor dangles social services carrot in bid to sell airport shares
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Mayor Wayne Brown's latest draft of his Auckland Council budget proposal pulls back...
Call to share views about community’s future
East Auckland residents are being asked to help shape the future direction of their local community.
The Howick Local Board's local board plan lays out...
Trees set for the chop to make way for transport project
More than 1000 trees may get the chop to make way for a major transport infrastructure project in east Auckland.
The $1.8 billion Botany to...
Action needed to protect park’s ‘scientifically important’ feature
Residents are angry at the damage caused to an east Auckland park that left part of it looking like a “swamp”.
The problem in Macleans...
Unhappy homeowners considering legal action
A group of disgruntled Bucklands Beach residents is against the height of a proposed development in Waller Avenue and may even bring in lawyers.
The...
Board wants reduced speed limits overturned
The Howick Local Board is asking Auckland Transport (AT) to change the speed limits on a group of busy local roads back to what...
Privilege to serve as Howick Local Board chairperson
By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
The Howick Local Board is responsible for governance on local issues, activities, and services such as libraries,...
East’s top cop taking on new role
Counties Manukau East Police area commander, Superintendant Scott Gemmell, is leaving the role to take up a new position with police as Director: Partnerships...
‘Amazing’ building planned for former Howick Library site
The property developer set to build on the site of the former Howick Library says she wants to create something "amazing" the community will...
Stewart accepts critical findings into Auckland’s flood response
Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart says she accepts the findings of a report into the official response to the devastating flooding in Auckland in...
Looters chased from tornado-damaged house
A tornado that struck east Auckland on Sunday night left parts of the community looking like a war zone.
Strong winds lifted tiles from roofs,...
Auckland Council budget sees record-breaking online submissions
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council's Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation is expected to triple last year's consultation numbers...
Special day to celebrate women
By Robyn Fox
To celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, the Zonta Club of East Auckland awarded Natasha Astill a floral tribute of...
Sod turned on final stage of Eastern Busway
Work on the final stage of east Auckland's largest public transport project is now under way and it will take about four years to...
Auckland Council quits Local Government NZ
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has resigned from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) after Mayor Wayne...
Almost 10 per cent of Auckland ferries cancelled
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
Recent figures from Auckland Transport (AT) shows 9.9 per cent of ferries were cancelled...
Residents fed up with noisy neighbours
Gill Court has been battling for more than a year to have loud nightly noise at a neighbouring property dealt with and she says...
Howick RSA to be sold
The Howick RSA’s largely-abandoned building and land on Wellington Street will be sold.
The building, home to the Howick Returned and Services Community for 40 years,...
Beachlands shoreline adaptation plan approved
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
The Beachlands shoreline adaptation plan has received the stamp of approval from Auckland...
Festival to celebrate city’s diversity
A major event celebrating diversity is being staged in east Auckland this month as part of the World of Cultures festival.
The festival is staged by...
Council issues grim budget update
Auckland Council has issued a financial update relating to a major public transport project and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
It shows the cost of...
No such thing as a free lunch at Auckland Council committee
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
An Auckland Council committee chair has shown his colleagues there is no such...
Additional charges laid over homicide
Three people have appeared in court in relation to a fatal assault in east Auckland late last year that led to a man's death.
The...
Police hope new station will deter criminal activity
The officer in charge of the new Howick Police station says he hopes its presence will help to deter people from breaking the law...
Can you help identify these graffiti vandals?
Police want to hear from anyone who can help identity several people captured on security camera defacing multiple locations in Howick village with green...
Fight to save our local Citizens Advice Bureau
Auckland Council's ongoing effort to reduce debt may lead to cuts in the funding received by the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
The organisation provides...
Submission close soon on Beachlands development
Pohutukawa Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on a plan change that would allow the development of a new coastal urban...
AEM: Be prepared for another significant weather event
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is working closely with MetService, the Mayor’s Office, Auckland Council and partner agencies to ensure the region is as prepared...
Speeders putting kids, pets, at risk
By Josie Lu, journalism intern
Speeding cars are putting children at risk in Bucklands Beach, a Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association...
Settled weather helps with clean-up efforts
MetService is forecasting a settled run of weather for the Auckland region this week, apart from the odd passing/light shower today and Friday.
They are...
Former Howick Library building almost gone
The former Howick Library in Fencible Drive is finally being demolished.
The building was previously owned by Auckland Council and is a well-known east Auckland...
More heavy rain forecast for Auckland
More rain was on the way for Auckland this week with the MetService extending the timing of the severe weather warnings in place.
Auckland Emergency...
Councillor condemns proposed local board funding cuts
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown's budget proposal looks to cut the city's local board...
Public get more time for submissions on plan changes
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
After two proposed amendments and a squabble between councillors, the public has been...
