- By Adele White, chairperson Howick Local Board
Kia ora!
One of the unfortunate outcomes of Covid lockdowns, and the restrictions these bring, is the inability to hold events planned for our community.
Our board is disappointed in the cancellation of the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival and our annual family event on Stockade Hill for the turning on of the Christmas Tree Lights and we will also miss the Howick Christmas Fair and the Howick Santa Parade this year.
The Howick Christmas tree will still be lit on the evening of Friday November 19, with no event.
Dog park update
In our October meeting the following recommendation was supported.
That the Howick Local Board:
Agree to place the Macleans Reserve dog exercise area project on hold and to be reviewed at a later stage
Request that staff continue with the investigation, design, and delivery of a dog exercise area within Lloyd Elsmore Park.
This does not indicate that this board is still going ahead with a dog park in Macleans Reserve but does not preclude this being reconsidered in years to come should there be a community interest.
Great news for bookworms
For those of you who have read everything on your bookshelf twice during lockdown, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
You can now borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs through contactless click and collect at Highland Park Library. Don’t forget your library card.
Choose from the library’s collection or provide your preferred genre and the librarians will curate a selection of books to suit your reading needs.
Order your books through Auckland Libraries website or phone 09 377 0209.
A flutter of litter
Among top requests for service for this month was loose litter.
With the warmer months now upon us, people have been getting out and about on their daily lockdown walks and picnics and enjoying their takeaway coffee and food.
This has interestingly resulted in increased pressure on our rubbish facilities across the local board area. Unfortunately, flyaway litter often finds its way into our gardens and waterways.
Our board understands there have been conversations with contractors to see if there can be an increase in frequency of rubbish collection to cope with bin use.
Please ensure your rubbish is able to fit right into the bin.
If not, we ask that you take it home with you for recycling.
Great news!
We are excited to advise that construction of the long-awaited Cockle Bay Play Space will commence in February.
Stay safe and well.
