Tag: Auckland Council
New councillor wants to stop reserve sales
Incoming Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson is strongly criticising efforts by Auckland Council to sell several local public reserves.
Williamson was elected to the role...
Work continues to renew our community
Kia ora!
We have been busy preparing for summer.
At the pools
The Lloyd Elsmore Pools Splash Pad surface protection has worn down to bare concrete in...
Regional parks management plan passes with applause
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
The regional parks management plan passed with full support around the table at Auckland...
Councillors look forward to ‘fixing Auckland’
Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson say they're looking forward to working with new Auckland mayor Wayne Brown to tackle the city's major challenges.
The two...
Voting closes in local elections – the race is on!
East Auckland residents will soon have an idea who’s going to serve as the city’s next mayor as well as represent the Howick ward...
Housing planned for former police station site
Land previously occupied by the Howick Police station will one day contain dozens of brand new townhouses.
The section at 34 Moore Street is among...
Effort to resolve War Memorial Hall’s management fails
A last-minute attempt to resolve the ongoing saga of management of the Howick War Memorial Hall before this year’s local elections has failed.
The Picton...
Candidate advocates for changes to local issues
Billy Davis, Howick Local Board candidate, Pakuranga subdivision
I am standing for a seat on the Howick Local Board for the following reasons:
To...
Ethnic local election candidates hit hard by defaced billboards
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded By New Zealand on Air
Billboard vandalism "hits hard" for ethnic candidates in this year's local election,...
Ex-engineer seeking to be next mayor
Craig Lord is standing to become Auckland’s next mayor because he wants to make the bad things about the city good and the good...
Candidate “furious” over booklet error
Candidate profile booklets sent to local voters in this year's Auckland Council elections contain an error that was not corrected prior to them being...
Draft golf plan goes for further consultation despite challenge
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council’s draft golf investment plan is pushing forward with another round...
Dog attacks hit five-year high
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
A five-year high in dog attacks, animal shelters bursting at the seams...
Burns keen to bring energy and vision to local board
Bo Burns, Howick Local Board candidate, Howick subdivision
Bo Burns is a current member of the Howick Local Board and is campaigning for re-election...
Wichman calls time on local board role
Howick Local Board member Bob Wichman is not seeking re-election to the board at this year’s Auckland Council elections after three terms in the...
Light slams delays on new library
Flat Bush deserves the library and community centre it's been promised for almost two decades.
That's the view of Damian Light, who's standing as an...
Your 2022 local elections candidates
East Auckland locals will soon have the chance to vote for candidates at this year's Auckland Council elections.
There are hopefuls in the race to...
Duo campaigning on platform of change
Vinson Yu and Nichola Painter, Howick Local Board candidates, Pakuranga subdivision
Vinson Yu and Nichola Painter are standing together in the Pakuranga subdivision of...
‘Jumping the gun’ proves pricey for construction company
A construction company which was building homes in Flat Bush has been fined $32,500 for beginning work without building consents.
Platform Homes (PHL) started work...
‘Fishing is killing shags’
East Auckland resident Corina Hooper has seen first-hand the devastating impact that fishing has had on the pied shag population within the Tamaki Estuary.
Pied...
Candidates vow to tackle crime
Two local Auckland Council candidates have created an action plan to tackle rising crime rates and improve community safety across the city.
Howick Local Board...
‘Jumping the gun’ proves pricey for construction company
A construction company which was building homes in Flat Bush has been fined $32,500 for beginning work without building consents.
Platform Homes (PHL) started work...
Advice for election candidates
People who get elected onto the Howick Local Board need to know their way around a laptop computer, be open-minded and a good listener,...
Auckland Council rejects Three Waters governance model
Auckland Council opposes the proposed Three Waters governance model which it maintains lacks accountability.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore and Regulatory Committee...
Candidates seeking to move community forward
There’s a new local-body political ticket in east Auckland and it’s standing a swath of fresh faces at this year’s Auckland Council elections.
Howick Local...
Council tries to limit intensification in Beachlands
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
In an eleventh-hour change to intensification plans, Auckland Council is attempting to limit...
Soiled adult nappies found on beach
Of all the things someone wouldn't want to come across while walking on a local beach, soiled adult nappies would be near the top...
Pak’n’Save Highland Park in the pipeline
Is glacial progress still progress?
In February 2018, Foodstuffs North Island heralded the purchase of Highland Park Shopping Centre and its intention to bring a...
Residents group being resurrected
Keen locals are needed to help breathe new life into a once active east Auckland community group that's been dormant for several years.
Steve Udy...
Mayoral candidates battle for votes
Five of the candidates hoping to replace outgoing Auckland mayor Phil Goff have spoken of their personal stories and detailed their visions for the...
‘Dog didn’t need to die’
An east Aucklander who found and rescued a lost pitbull that was later euthanised is calling for more awareness surrounding Breed-Specific legislation (BSL).
Whitford resident...
Fight to protect aquatic life
Work is under way to prevent the ecological damage that's contributed to the deaths of aquatic life in east Auckland's waterways.
About 30 eels were...
Children flock to revamped playground in Cockle Bay
It's taken many months and almost $250,000 but a colourful and newly revamped children's playground in east Auckland is finally open to the public.
As...
Light speaks out against busway’s path
A local candidate in this year's Auckland Council elections has come out swinging against the latest decision regarding the route of the Eastern Busway.
Damian...
Graffiti removal leads to brighter village
By Georgia Whitehead, AUT University Journalism Student
Howick Village is looking tidier and more welcoming after the Beautification Trust removed almost 200 incidents of...
Dog park plan draws criticism
Opponents of a plan to construct a dog park in east Auckland say the site chosen is inappropriate and the process was rushed and...
Vote moves public reserves closer to sale
By Chris Harrowell and Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has moved one step closer to being...
Howick 175 Update
Celebrating Together 1847-2022 / Whakanui Tahi Ana
175 chairman, Rev Dr Richard Waugh QSM provides an exclusive update to Times newspaper readers
2022 is a very...
Illegal rubbish dumping still an eyesore
People living in a rapidly developing part of east Auckland are still being plagued by the ugly sight of piles of illegally dumped rubbish.
Elevation...
Wednesday Weed Whacking
With their boots planted in the dirt every Wednesday morning, the expert weed whacking volunteers are intent on eradicating harmful invaders from Mangemangeroa Reserve.
Led...
Tāmaki Estuary seagrass returns
Tamaki Estuary is slowly showing signs of ecological recovery after several decades of poor health.
One of most encouraging signs appears to be the gradual...
Nervous wait for reserve sale opponents
People campaigning to stop the potential sale of multiple east Auckland public reserves will soon find out if their efforts have paid off.
Auckland Council...
Beach users say dogs causing problems
The Howick Local Board has been asked to be "very careful" with the rules relating to dogs on beaches.
Local residents Catherine Priscott and her...
Dispute over building’s use continues
It appears unlikely an east Auckland community facility will have its full potential utilised any time soon as a standoff over its management drags...
Have your say on new housing rules proposed for Auckland
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
Following legislation passed by Parliament, Auckland Council is currently seeking submissions on their proposal to change the rules...
We need your feedback
By Adele White, chairperson Howick Local Board
Kia ora!
The Howick Local Board continues to hold workshops and business meetings online with a view to...
Residents stepping up to shape their community
Reducing crime, stopping illegal rubbish dumping, and getting people to work together to solve local problems are the focus of a newly formed community...
Buildings of six storeys and taller get green light
An east Auckland suburb may soon be home to buildings six storeys high and taller as a result of changes the Government has made...
$1.5m cover for bowling club’s greens
People who love the sport of bowls can look forward to being able to play it year-round and in all weather conditions at an...
Pine Harbour ferry trial picks up pace
Auckland Transport (AT) has launched its new weekend ferry service trial between Pine Harbour Marina and Downtown Auckland.
The trial will run until Monday April...
Help shape Auckland’s future
Attending meetings, voting on budgets, debating issues, advocating for the local community, and responding to numerous phone calls and emails about a variety of...
‘A disaster waiting to happen’
Urgent action is needed to address the threat of flooding in preparation for future severe weather events striking east Auckland.
That's the view of Howick...
34 per cent increase in Auckland property values
Auckland Council's latest property valuations released today show significant movements across the region, with an average value increase of 34 per cent.
The updated values...
Scallop populations diminish by more than 90 per cent
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air.
A comparison of scallop surveys between last year and 2012 has found that...
Climate package to boost public transport
Bus users are set to benefit if Auckland Council's proposed climate action package receives support as part of this year's annual budget.
In the Howick...
The war on weeds
A recent report has indicated that New Zealand's battle against harmful weeds falls short in a national-level plan or strategy.
Simon Upton, the Parliamentary Commissioner...
Commissioners hear opposition to reserves’ sale
Dozens of people who oppose revoking the reserve status of three east Auckland public parks so they can be sold have finally had the...
‘This is supposed to be a democracy’
Howick Local Board member Bob Wichman is accusing Auckland Council of misrepresenting the facts over the use of his council email account.
But the council...
Rubbish dumped in polluted pond
The sight of rubbish floating on the surface of an east Auckland pond visited by families and children is being labelled "absolutely disgusting".
That's the...
Skaters need new location
The driving force behind the promotion of wheeled sports in east Auckland wants to hear from anyone who can offer local riders a safe...
Police station closed with blessing
The Howick Police station has been formally closed before being shipped off to its new home.
The building sits on land in Moore Street owned...
Campaigners fume over change to hearings
People fighting the proposed sale of east Auckland public reserves are angry they now won't be able to express their view over a key...
Sea slugs wash ashore on Mellons Bay
A warning has been sounded by locals after sea slugs washed up on an east Auckland beach.
A woman on a popular social media group...
Call out for election candidates
People considering standing as candidates in this year's Auckland Council elections should start preparing.
The elections for positions on the council and Howick Local Board...
$120k to tackle deadly tree disease
More than $100,000 will be spent to tackle an incurable tree disease that's kept a popular east Auckland walking track closed for more than...
Have your say on coastal management plans
Auckland Council is calling for local communities to share their input and thoughts on Auckland's eastern coastal areas for their shoreline adaptation plans.
Shoreline Adaptation...
Council prepares for Omicron
Like many other organisations, Auckland Council is preparing for how widespread community transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 might affect its services, service...
Memorial cross removed
A family is appealing for information and witnesses after a memorial cross and all its sentimental items were stolen from Maraetai.
On Friday January 14...
Local hero retires after 30 years of service to community
A long-standing local is retiring this month after nearly 30 years of service to the community.
Cherry Tawhai started working as Te Tuhi's centre administrator...
Waterworld comes to Maraetai
Waterworld Aquapark is making a splash in Maraetai/Ohinerangi this summer.
The massive inflatable water course will be coasting the shores of Maraetai and surrounding beaches...
Luxon vows to keep fighting for Botany
He became the National Party's leader after just a year in politics and now Botany MP Christopher Luxon is vowing he won't forget about...
Pools and leisure centres to reopen
Auckland Council’s pools and leisure centres will require vaccination passports for the eligible population under the traffic light framework.
Gyms, group fitness and recreation centres...
Roadside fishing draws criticism
Concerns are being raised about safety issues for pedestrians and motorists caused by people fishing from an east Auckland roadside.
Bucklands Beach resident Glenn Cochrane...
Doing what we love this summer
By Naisi Chen, Labour List MP based in Botany
Let's not mince words - it's been a tough couple of months for east Auckland....
New name and pilot for coastal management plans
Auckland Council's second Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP) pilot - which targets Beachlands and the eastern coast - has been launched with a focus on...
Remaining water restrictions lifted in Auckland
Water restrictions have ended in Auckland.
Auckland Council’s governing body unanimously agreed to lift the region’s remaining outdoor water restrictions following a report from Watercare.
Remaining...
Covid puts brakes on reserves’ sale
The Government’s yo-yoing in and out of Covid-19 lockdowns is delaying the process required for the proposed revocation of reserve status of five public...
Police searching for new base
East Auckland residents concerned they may lose a long-standing police presence in the community can rest easy.
Plans are advancing to sell the Auckland Council-owned...
Mayor blasts rubbish dumpers
Auckland mayor Phil Goff is adding his voice to the growing criticism of people who feel entitled to illegally dump their rubbish in east...
Calls for service coming in
By Adele White, Howick Local Board chairperson
Kia ora!
This Covid-19 lockdown seems to have lasted forever!
It has, however, been heartening to see our...
Move to delay elections slammed
Legislation that will give the Government the power to delay next year’s local body elections until 2023 is being met with howls of outrage...
Call for ideas to activate community space
Organisations are invited to share their ideas on how they could get the most from an historic east Auckland community facility.
Expressions of interest are...
Anger over ‘horrific’ parking problem
Previously plush, green grass berms in two east Auckland streets have been transformed into mud due to workers at a nearby construction project driving...
Is this east Auckland’s messiest street?
If there was an award given for the messiest street in east Auckland, Elevation Street in Flat Bush would be a strong contender to...
Rubbish dumped outside charity store
Some people are taking advantage of the latest Covid-19 lockdown to de-clutter their homes, but not in a way that's productive or legal.
Large piles...
Te Puru Park to get vital upgrade
Te Puru Park at Beachlands will be see improved facilities in the next year.
Auckland Council says that growing player numbers have put pressure on...
Keeping safe during Covid
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...
Let your colours fly
Chorus and the Beautification Trust is encouraging east Aucklanders to let their colours fly in their latest creative initiative.
They are calling for local artists...
Elliot St ‘a danger’
A Dannemora woman has raised concerns to Auckland Council and Auckland Transport over a busy street behind Owairoa Primary School in Howick.
Elliot Street is...
Tourist attraction looks to the future
One of east Auckland's most well known tourist attractions has created a strategic plan in an effort to ensure its survival.
The Howick Historical Village...
Improvement work is under way
Kia ora!
Alcohol ban
Working closely with the Howick Business Association, Auckland Council's operations team has installed four new alcohol ban signs within the Howick Village.
The...
Residents step up to fight council plan to sell reserves
Local residents opposed to the sale of public reserves in east Auckland say they're determined to keep up the fight.
Auckland Council's finance and performance...
Residents fight back against boy racers
Danny Wright remembers lying in bed the first night his family spent at their new east Auckland home and wondering if they’d moved next...
Government prioritises cycle bridge over Busway
The recent news that the Government and Auckland Council have delayed the completion of the Eastern Busway by two years is gutting news for...
Residents’ group wanted trees removed
Four large magnolia trees would have been removed from an east Auckland park if a local residents' group had its way.
The Howick Ratepayers and...
Council advances plan to sell public reserves
Independent commissioners will be appointed to read submissions made as part of the ongoing process to sell public reserves in east Auckland.
Auckland Council's finance...
BBYC: AC defence should stay in NZ
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club (BBYC) wants to see Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) host the America's Cup challenge in New Zealand but accepts that...
Concern over road safety at primary amplifies
Road safety concerns for Owairoa Primary School have increased exponentially in the past week.
On Thursday June 3 concerned parent Ruth McLaren sent an email...
Point View Heritage Society marks 20 years
On Sunday May 30, the Point View Heritage Society celebrated the 20th anniversary of its incorporation with a luncheon at Fisher House in Highbrook.
The...
Flat Bush library project on hold
People living in one of New Zealand's fastest growing communities will have to wait a little longer to get their own library and community...