Tag: Auckland Council
Councillor: Residents concerned by road works ‘overkill’
An east Auckland elected representative says she's heard from residents concerned about the "overkill" of road works and orange cones in the local community...
Residents fighting to stop reserves’ sale
Irate residents are battling to stop the proposed sale of four east Auckland public reserves.
Auckland Council wants to dispose of green spaces it owns...
Happy New Year to all
What a beautiful summer we are having.
The board's workshops have recommenced, and board members have enjoyed attending local events over the past few weeks....
A double celebration for Rosa Chow
What do a policeman, politician, priest, principal, lawyer, educator, specialist advisor to council and chair of Howick Local Board have in common?
They have all...
Campaign for new skate park ramps up
A father and son are leading the charge to improve the facilities available to east Auckland's skateboarders and scooter riders.
Aaron Martin, 29, and his...
Mystery surrounds eels’ death
An investigation has failed to determine what killed dozens of eels found dead in an east Auckland waterway more than a month ago.
Burswood resident...
Development’s opponents vow to fight on
Two of the opponents of a proposed east Auckland apartment development say they're as determined as ever to stop it from going ahead.
Box Property...
Names chosen for new public roads
Agreement has finally been reached on the names assigned to three new public roads being built in east Auckland.
The Howick Local Board was initially...
Dozens of eels found dead
An investigation is under way into what led to the deaths of dozens of eels in an east Auckland waterway.
Burswood resident Paul Taylor posted...
Emotions run hot at public meeting on housing
Several hundred people packed into a local school hall on a recent Monday night for a rowdy and at times heated public meeting about...
Water restrictions adjusted for summer
Auckland Council has voted to adjust the city’s water restrictions.
From December 14 residents will be able to use handheld hoses fitted with trigger nozzles,...
Auckland’s water restrictions may be eased
Residents' efforts to save water and large spending on increasing the city's water supply means consideration can be given to easing restrictions, mayor Phil...
‘Our reserves are not for sale’
The fight to stop four east Auckland public reserves from being sold is drawing some heavyweight political support.
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown and Botany MP...
An influx of rubbish dumping
Comment
Illegal rubbish dumping
It has been disappointing to see an influx of rubbish dumping in both urban and rural parts of Howick.
Illegal rubbish dumping refers...
Feedback needed on Auckland’s water safety rules
To help keep everyone safe while out on the water, Auckland Council has rules to minimise accidents and other risks.
These rules are contained within...
Public parks’ sale subject to legal process
Members of the public opposed to the sale of four east Auckland public reserves will have the chance to make their voices heard.
Auckland Council's...
Water restrictions impact businesses
Auckland's drought is having a major impact on local businesses whose owners say they've struggled to keep operating due to the city's water crisis.
Restrictions...
Unearth secrets of Buckland family
Want to know the secrets and stories of the Buckland family's 116 years at Highwic, here's your chance.
As part of the Auckland Heritage Festival,...
Stand Up Stand Out 2020 re-shaped to keep the dream alive
Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) has moved quickly to re-shape its format, aiming to help keep the music dream alive for the city's young...
Developer, council investigating illegal rubbish dumping
Auckland Council is investigating illegal dumping near the new Donegal Park subdivision.
Senior Waste Advisor Jan Eckersley said Auckland Council looks after public land, and...
Keep away from public amenities during lockdown
Even if you can’t see a closed sign at a playground or equipment in the park, the fact that Covid-19 can live on a...
Alert Level 3 means stay home and stay local
Here's a breakdown of what Aucklanders can do under Alert Level 3
Aucklanders are heading out to beaches and parks across the region and ignoring...
A bridge too far: residents frustrated at bridge delay
Two Flat Bush residents are angry and fed up waiting for much-needed safety improvements to a bridge which is regularly used by school students.
“We...
Emergency budget: Goff says rates set to rise
Mayor Phil Goff says the emergency budget is the most difficult annual budget ever faced by councillors.
Key recommendations in his proposal are summarised below...
Aucklanders back rates increase to support essential services
A majority of Aucklanders say a rates increase is needed to ensure that Auckland Council can continue to provide essential services and support those...
Group storm the castle to reopen info centre
A group of enthusiastic locals took matters into their own hands last week when they re-opened the closed Howick Information Centre- under their own...
Otara Creek restoration: sowing the seeds of a greener future
The rain didn’t stop 380 students from getting their hands dirty to work on the Santa Maria School-Otara Creek restoration.
Students of Sancta Maria Catholic...
Council makes it easier for Aucklanders to collect rainwater
Resource consent fees are to be scrapped for the installation of rainwater tanks at residential properties.
The fee waiver by Auckland Council comes in response...
Howick info centre staying closed for now says AK Council
Local people have expressed concern that the Howick Information Service has not re-opened following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
The centre is used by many...
‘Emergency Budget is a lose-lose for Pakuranga’
Auckland Council has released its Emergency Budget (May 29) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, and amongst its cost-saving proposals comes an...
More libraries, pools and venues to reopen
Auckland Council will reopen the remainder of its libraries and most of its pools across the Auckland region from this week .
The reopening, along...
Jami-Lee Ross:rates freeze should go ahead
Very few households or businesses have managed to escape the financial impacts that we have experienced, and will continue to experience, off the back...
No axle to grind:kids skate ramp taken away by council
Local skateboarders are frustrated a ramp was taken away by council contractors last week.
The ramp was used by skateboarders, young and old, but had...
Too cosy for comfort–seven dwellings in place of one!
Cosy Place residents in Howick are upset and angry that they are yet another casualty of the Unitary Plan.
Residents have been fighting to stop...
Pest-proofing as boaties prepare to return to the water
In preparation for the return to the water, Auckland Council is urging boat owners to check their vessels for pests, both above and below...
Auckland Transport practising supplier diversity
In a media release, Auckland Transport (AT) has outlined their commitment to diversity (predominantly to Maori and Pacifica interests) within the delivery of infrastructure.
Release...
Eastern Busway contract will generate thousands of jobs- Council
The Times ran a story last week detailing a numbered list of priority projects for council, highlighting the refurbishment of marae being placed third...
Marae refurbishment takes priority over Eastern Busway project
With the news this week that construction on the City Rail Link in central Auckland set to resume under level 3 restrictions, the Times...
AK Council: Tanker-to-tanker water service ends
On Wednesday 22 April, the “tanker-to-tanker” initiative employed by Auckland Council to support private water carriers over the summer, ended.
Recent rain across the region...
Covid-19 impacts overseas fibre recycling market
Kerbside recycling services are not affected and continue as normal
All mixed paper and cardboard recycling collected in Auckland will temporarily be sent to landfill...
Auckland Council staff deployed to assist food distribution
Auckland Council is deploying more staff to help Aucklanders experiencing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.
In line with the welfare directive announced...
COVID19: Council takes urgent action
Auckland Council will today hold an emergency meeting to confirm arrangements to enable essential work to be undertaken during the COVID-19 crisis lockdown.
Mayor Phil...
Sign of the times: Council stops naming streets after the living
By Jim Birchall
At a recent Howick Local Board meeting new names for new streets were being discussed.
It was made apparent by an Auckland Council...
Footpath feedback: Locals not happy
The Times has had an avalanche of responses to our story on a mother with a newborn falling on Whitford Road in the Times...
Mother injured: State of footpaths a concern after fall
A local mother, with her 12-week-old baby in a pushchair, fell on Whitford Rd whilst out walking, severely injuring both her knees.
Her first thought...
Water safety: Prevent drownings at Hunua Falls
Water Safety New Zealand, Auckland Council, Drowning Prevention Auckland and a number of Auckland water safety partners are working together this summer to prevent...
Inorganic collection: Mary’s rubbish story just the tipping point
By Jim Birchall
The Times had quite a response to last week’s inorganic collection story, in which 79-year-old Mary Wilton aired her grievance with council’s...
Mary: inorganic policy is rubbish
By Jim Birchall
Buckland’s beach local, 79-year-old Mary Wilton is fed up with Auckland Council’s inorganic collection policy.
The current system, allows for a ratepayer to...
Voting closes on midday on Saturday
If you haven’t voted in the local elections yet, it’s time to get a move on.
Voting closes at midday on Saturday, but Auckland Council...
Still no clarity on freedom camping
By Jim Birchall
Driving and dossing coming to Howick beach this summer.
The contentious issue of freedom camping around Howick has reared its head again.
The matter...
COMMENT: A year of action and progress
Since returning to Parliament at the start of the year, I've spent a lot of time talking to locals and knocking on thousands of...
Local election candidates named
The preliminary list of Auckland local election candidates has been released.
There are 21 mayoral candidates, 54 people vying for councillor roles, and 348 people...
Ormiston to finally get four new footpaths
After a decade-long wait and residents pushing for footpaths, looks like construction of much needed footpaths in Flat Bush will become a reality, thanks...
Beware of waste disposal ads on social media
Following a recent successful illegal dumping prosecution in the Manukau District Court, Auckland Council is cautioning Aucklanders to be wary of cheap waste disposal...
Fight over park safety heating up
A group of determined east Auckland residents battling to improve safety at their neighbourhood park aren’t ready to give up the fight.
Locals who live...
Warning as scammers pose as AT staff
A Pakuranga woman has warned residents to look out for suspected scammers who are passing themselves off as Auckland Transport (AT)officials.
The woman, who's name...
Elton John helps out Stockade Hill campaigners
The opening night of Elton John’s biopic ‘Rocketman’ was a sell out at Monterey cinema in Howick – and all for a very good...
Howick’s blue artwork removed for repairs
Crawford Reserve’s controversial blue artwork ‘Kid Justice’ has been temporarily removed for repairs.
Vandals recently damaged the feet of the $55,000 artwork, which was erected...
Bucklands Beach erosion – time, tides & politics
Erosion may be a slow process but the progress of local bodies to stop it in its tracks can feel slower still.
Although the wheels...
Seventy apartments for Sandspit Road
Tensions are high on Sandspit Road with the looming threat of a large-scale apartment building development opposite Howick College.
A proposed redevelopment of 30 and...
Karaka berries can kill dogs
Dog owners are being warned about the risk of karaka tree berries.
Auckland Council has joined veterinarians in emphasising that the berries are highly toxic...
Howick councillors stage cross-town transport challenge
Two teams from Howick Youth Council and Community Patrols New Zealand have taken part in a transport challenge set by Howick councillors Sharon Stewart...
Sewage overflow nightmare
Imagine waking up to the pungent smell of the neighbourhood’s sewage overflowing into your backyard.
This was the reality for one Pakuranga family who woke...
Trig disappears – and we know why
UPDATED
Howickians have been in a flap over the disappearance of the trig station from Stockade Hill.
There has been much speculation, frustration and angst shared...
Howick’s blue artwork makes a stand
Something big, bright and blue has popped up in a popular Howick reserve and has received mixed reactions from the community.
Just before Christmas, Howick’s...
Is the game playing you?
Mission Heights Junior College young filmmakers Farhaan Muhammed, Andrew Ma and Raiyan Khan have won the Auckland Council Film-maker award for their short film...
Mayor calls for harsher penalties on illegal dumpers
Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed Auckland Council’s second successful prosecution of an illegal dumper in two weeks but says the penalties should be much...
‘Council failing to protect local environment’
The Auckland Council’s refusal to fine or prosecute a local developer for the illegal alteration of a stream between Cheriton Road and Colmar Road...
Victory in fight to save 34 Moore Street
The Howick Local Board is celebrating a victory in its long-time fight against the sale of 34 Moore Street.
The decision has been made by...
Legionella bacteria closes lagoon spa pool
The spa pool at Auckland Council-owned Lagoon Pool & Leisure Centre in Panmure has been closed until further notice following the detection of Legionella...
‘I don’t feel safe in my own home’
A Highland Park family is at its wit's end after what they claim have been eight months of intimidation, bylaw breaches and questionable behaviour...
$2.9m local board funding still to be spent
The Howick Local Board has a sizeable treasure chest of close to $3m and it’s not rushing to spend it. It’s not quite a...
Freedom camping – the community speaks up
Since the Auckland Council announced seven proposed sites for freedom camping in the Howick ward - Barry Curtis Park, Eastern Beach, Howick Beach, Lloyd...
Hunua Ranges 1080 drop to go ahead
Auckland Council is pleased with the decision by the Environment Court released on 21 September confirming that it can go ahead with its planned...
Court stops Hunua 1080 poison drop
A planned 1080 poison drop to eradicate pests in the Hunua Ranges has been called after the Environment Court made an order stopping Auckland...
Paul Young wins by-election
Paul Young has won the Howick By-election to become Auckland Council’s first Asian councillor.
He came to New Zealand around 30 years ago and settled...
360 degree views are out
Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association’s (HRRA) call for 360 degree views from Stockade Hill has been rejected.
Last week the long-awaited decision on Plan Change 3...
Ratepayer AGM attracts full house
The Fencible Hall was filled to capacity on Saturday for the Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association’s (HRRA) public meeting and AGM.
Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore,...
Final three candidates for council seat
In May the community suffered a tragic loss with the death of beloved Howick Ward Councillor and Olympian Dick Quax. His passing left a...
Six step up for council seat
In May the community suffered a tragic loss with the passing of beloved Howick Ward Councillor Dick Quax. His passing left a vacancy on...
Neighbours angry as 10 houses crammed onto two properties
More than 30 residents in a small Bucklands Beach street are up in arms about a development which will see 10 properties built on...
Park maintenance a constant battle
Local Board member Garry Boles says the last 12 months with Auckland Council have been an ongoing challenge.
“The last 12 months have become a...
Maintenance and project delays frustrate board members
Some local board members are fed up as community maintenance and funded projects continue to fall by the wayside.
Long standing board member Adele White...
Frustrated boaties want new pontoons
Frustration is mounting as boaties spend another week without the pontoons down at Half Moon Bay.
The pontoons were damaged beyond repair during the January...
Ross: Aucklanders won’t forgive Labour for new fuel tax
Today’s decision by the Labour Government and the Labour Mayor to whack Aucklanders with a new regional fuel tax will not be forgiven by...
Battle not over yet
A fundraising evening held for Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association last week at Howick Little Theatre attracted a full house and was a great...
Divided opinions on regional fuel tax
Dozens of locals say the Auckland Council’s Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) will be detrimental to those in lower income brackets.
A public consultation was held...
Lucky escape for boy after manhole scare
An 11-year-old boy is lucky to be alive and relatively unscathed after falling down an uncovered manhole in Botany.
Dylan McKenzie was playing with friends...
Woman hurt after tree crashes into house
UPDATED 12:05PM A Shelly Park family is counting its lucky stars after a massive tree partially destroyed the family home in last night's storm.
An enormous...
You cannot opt out of the food scrap collection
Parul Sood, Waste planning manager Auckland Council responds to queries about the new food waste bins that will be shortly introduced with a targeted...
A targeted rate of $67 for new food waste bins
Not many residents are aware that Auckland Council is proposing a targeted rate of $67 per year to fund a food scrap collection once...
Ross: Fuel tax to solve Council’s runaway costs
New legislation from the Government today means all Auckland motorists will be taxed 10 cents a litre more in just three months’ time, National’s...
Transport meeting sparks huge public response
Around 180 people turned out for public meeting on transport at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club.
Hosted by Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, the meeting on...
Hauraki Gulf in sobering state
Fisheries are dwindling and water quality is dismal as pressure on the Hauraki Gulf increases.
The State of the Gulf report was released last Friday...
Best intentions stuck in mud
The wet weather is once again bad news for the state of our parks and reserves.
Over the weekend, an Auckland Council ride-on mower became...
Outrage over Kauri illegally chopped
Residents are outraged and council is investigating following the tree topping of five Kauri tree in Mellons Bay recently.
Auckland Council has confirmed that permission...
TB an isolated case
False rumours of a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak at the Highland Park Community House (HPCH) have been shut down.
Auckland Council and the chair for the...
Splash Pad shut down
Six days after its official opening, Pakuranga’s new splash pad is now closed.
The temporary closure at Lloyd Elsmore Pools and Leisure Centre follows safety...
Contractors commit to resolving park maintenance concerns
The new contractors are committing to resolving park mowing and gardening concerns.
Australian company Ventia took over the Auckland Council park maintenance contracts on July 1, 2017....
Residents still unhappy with state of parks
Locals remain frustrated over the state of the reserves in the Howick ward.
Some residents are still wading through unruly grass of up to a...
