Tag: Auckland Council
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...
Moth pod competition heeds revolutionary results
The Eastern Enviroschools cluster has celebrated schools working to reduce waste and eradicate moth plants.
Students, teachers and parents from a variety of Howick Ward...
Rugby club looks to East
John East has a lot on his plate. That was not the plan.
At 62, he was already looking to buying a boat and heading...
Local board identifies priorities
Upgrading rural roads, restoring local beaches, and tackling climate change are at the forefront of the Howick Local Board's future priorities.
The board has agreed...
Critical pathway in jeopardy
A critical pathway link between Beachlands South East residential area and Pine Harbour Marina has been placed in peril by a proposed housing development...
Plans to sell police station land progressing
Police are tight-lipped about contingency plans should they have to vacate the site of the current Howick station.
As the Times reported in April, Auckland Council...
Saga over inorganic rubbish collection
Ten months after Graeme Rose made a booking to have his inorganic rubbish removed from his east Auckland home, it was finally taken away.
The...
Howick Police Station integral to our community safety
Many of you will now be aware of the proposed closure of the Howick Police Station following Auckland Council's decision to sell the land...
Improvements are under way
Kia ora!
I trust Easter brought whatever you desired - perhaps some rest and relaxation, family fun, a time to get the garden in shape,...
Man calling for tree branch’s removal
An east Auckland man has been battling for six months to have a large branch cut off a tree after he inadvertently smacked his...
Popular public park set to be sold
An east Auckland public reserve popular with families, children, and their pets may soon be on the chopping block.
Passionate Sunnyhills residents are behind a...
Former library building set to be sold
It's a large and derelict eyesore in the heart of an east Auckland shopping precinct and its future will finally be decided.
The former Howick...
Auckland’s newest shopping centre to open
Todd Property Group managing director Evan Davies says that despite Covid-19-related challenges over the past 12-months, including the recent Alert Level 3 lockdowns in...
Changes to Polyfest in a Covid environment
A change in Auckland's alert levels and students back at school is welcome news for the organisers of the ASB Polyfest.
This year's revised format...
Council – We’re keen on your feedback
SAVING LOCAL RESERVES
In August last year the Local Board was asked to provide feedback on the disposal of local properties as part of Auckland...
‘It looks like they’ve made their mind up’
The number of residents trying to stop the sale of east Auckland's public green spaces is growing.
Auckland Council has notified the public it wishes...
Have your say on reserves’ sale
The time has come for people opposed to the potential sale of a group of east Auckland public reserves to make their voices heard.
Auckland...
Yacht club locked in parking battle
"Do you want the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club to survive as a community facility and sporting club in your Howick ward area?"
That was the...
Ormiston Town Centre counts down to opening
Todd Property Group has announced the official opening date of Ormiston Town Centre, with doors opening to welcome the local community on Thursday March...
Howick Ward Councillors urge locals to have their say
Auckland Council is now seeking feedback on the 10-year Budget, what’s important to you, and how to pay for it.
Howick Ward councillors Sharon Stewart...
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...
