Tag: Auckland Council
Councillors worried about mayor’s CCO plan
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland councillors have raised concerns about a lack of clarity in Mayor...
Celebration as ‘road to nowhere’ finally opens
It’s taken longer than expected but a previously closed road leading to a busy east Auckland shopping precinct has finally opened to traffic.
Large concrete...
Police ramping up patrols at beaches over summer
“Leave only footprints in the sand.”
That's the message from police and their partner agencies to holiday makers heading to Auckland’s eastern and southern beaches...
Grants open for communities
Applications for Auckland Council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants are open and local groups are being encouraged to apply.
A $295,000 funding pool...
Mayor questions placement of electric ferry chargers
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has challenged Auckland Transport and Eke Panuku over...
Letters to the Editor: Speedway; RSA; Cats and birds
Western Springs
Great article from Phil Dark about the history of Western Springs (Times, November 15). The fact the Motions family owned the land is...
Council calls on AT to review ferry fares
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is calling for Auckland Transport to reevaluate after a proposal...
Brown vs Brown battle over Eastern Busway funding
The Government Minister overseeing delivery of east Auckland’s largest transport infrastructure project says he has no doubt it will be completed on time.
The Eastern...
Council meets almost half of savings target in first quarter
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
The Auckland Council says it has achieved nearly half of its $66...
Howick Local Board weighs in on mayor’s proposals
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick Local Board members have called for urgent action on Tāmaki Estuary...
Driver safety screens fitted to buses
Auckland’s bus drivers will be increasingly safe and secure as the rollout of bus driver safety screens accelerates thanks to funding confirmed by Auckland...
Cost savings from Howick Local Board office exit
By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
The Howick Local Board office in Pakūranga will close at the end of November, enabling council to...
Western Springs Speedway – thanks for the thrills!
Phil Dark, a proud Howickian and professional motorsports broadcaster, has been the voice of speedway in Auckland and writes of his sadness for the...
“Pot-line” suggested for AT’s pothole pledge
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport is reporting success after the first week of its pothole...
First month with no road deaths in four years
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport has reported that July was the first month since 2020...
Council underestimates property buyout numbers
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
The Auckland Council expects more properties to be bought out than anticipated...
Help protect Auckland’s natural environment
How do you think Auckland’s natural environment should be protected?
The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open until December 8 and Auckland Council is inviting...
AT makes pothole repair promise to Aucklanders
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport has made a promise to Aucklanders that it will repair...
Councillor: Speedway consultation “fudged and fraudulent”
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
A heated debate erupted over the Auckland Council’s consultation process for speedway...
Councillors worried about less road safety funds
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland councillors have raised concerns that the road safety funding shortfall could...
Fifty-four heavy trucks, zero diesel fumes
Electric trucks in the fleet of East Tamaki-based Waste Management New Zealand have covered a distance the equivalent of five times from Earth to...
Would you like to help lead your local community?
Community-minded east Auckland residents are being urged to consider standing as candidates at next year’s local elections.
Up for grabs will be two seats representing...
Legitimacy of speedway report questioned
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Plans to consolidate speedway were thrown into question after a letter suggested...
Seniors voice concerns over new dog rules
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Dog-walking limits being proposed by the Auckland Council have been questioned by...
New contractors for city’s pools and leisure centres
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has awarded new contracts for 20 pools and leisure centres,...
Council starts action to recover $2.3 billion
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
The Auckland Council’s draft Contributions Policy, aimed at recovering $2.3 billion over...
Paul Young – champion of the artist, and footballer
So, Paul Young, what have you been up to? Where have you been over the past year or so?
Not that long ago, between 2018...
Ratepayers to own new fleet of ferries
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Transport has confirmed that Fullers will operate a new fleet of...
Government support sought as dog attacks surge
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council's latest Animal Management Report reveals a sharp rise in dog...
Malaysia footballers hold open public training
The Malaysia men’s football national team is using South Auckland Rangers’ Rongomai Park as their training base ahead of their friendly international against New...
Councillor questions raising speed limits
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
An Auckland councillor has urged caution against increasing speed limits that could...
Mayor Brown orders councillors back to chamber
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is laying down the law telling elected councillors...
RSA battles for village “shop front” position
Imagine if Howick RSA members and community citizens gathered in central Howick Village to recite the Ode of Remembrance every Friday evening, traditionally 6pm.
Under...
Councillor pleased with $332m in savings
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson is celebrating after Auckland Council announced it’s saved $332 million in the last three years.
The council’s exceeded its annual...
MP slams proposal to increase size of Howick Local Board
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown is publicly criticising the Howick Local Board for proposing to increase its size from its current nine elected members to...
Attempt to shrink Howick Local Board fails
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, and Chris Harrowell, partially funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson has failed in...
Deadline approaches for storm-affected properties
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is urging storm-affected homeowners to register for its categorisation scheme...
East Auckland backs representation review proposal
Proposed changes for fairer representation and a Flat Bush subdivision for the Howick Local Board have received overwhelming support with 86 per cent of...
Councillor slams $20 million water deal with iwi
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson is demanding answers over Watercare’s handling of...
Town Crier opposes Māori naming of community assets
A story the Times published on August 23 (War of words over Māori names for public places - Times) about the debate over giving...
Auckland Council grants $2.4m to sports club
Auckland Council will allocate $13.6 million to 18 sports organisations in the city, including $2.4m toward Pakuranga United Rugby Club for the planned expansion...
Movements and action in the Village
By Katie Treneman, Interim Village Manager, Howick Village Association
It’s been great to welcome back Craig Hammonds, our Community Constable who had been away for several...
War of words over Maori names for public places
A heated war of words has broken out over whether Maori names should be given to numerous public places in the local community as...
Empty east Auckland section turns into rubbish tip
An empty section in an east Auckland street is being treated like a rubbish tip.
A resident notified Auckland Council about the mess in an...
Former building inspector pleads guilty to bribery and corruption
A former Auckland Council building inspector has pleaded guilty to bribery and corruption charges.
Appearing in the Manukau District Court, Nicholas Bright admitted to 21...
Councillor pleased to see community events axed
Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson says he's pleased the Howick Local Board has voted to axe funding for two community events in east Auckland.
Williamson...
Our representative democracy must adapt to growing population
By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
Auckland has a unique local government, created after Parliament passed special legislation back in 2009.
As a result,...
Concerns over housing must be taken seriously
By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP
Everywhere we look in Pakuranga, homes are being built.
This is a good sign for future generations who...
Councilor slams move to give Māori names to public places, bus...
Efforts to give Māori names to numerous local public places as well as bus stations and structures that are part of the Eastern Busway...
Let’s save innocent animals from rats!
The Times is publishing stories in our digital publication and on our website that are written by local youngsters in our Junior Journalist initiative. Here’s a...
Debate growing over size of Howick Local Board
By Chris Harrowell and Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded by New Zealand on Air
Local community leaders disagree over whether the number of...
Consultation on reducing Howick Local Board fails
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter - Funded by New Zealand on Air
A proposal by Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson to consult the public...
Frustration over closure of road to town centre
Questions are being asked as to why large concrete blocks are impeding vehicle access between a growing residential community and an east Auckland shopping...
Resident discovers strange crack in footpath
The Times is giving local youngsters who want to write stories – which we’ll publish on our website and in our new digital publication –...
Flood plan sandbagged
Locals must think ahead and have sandbags ready prior to severe weather events, but Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee has sunk...
Building consents
It has surprised me to see some infill housing developments that are significantly out of keeping with the neighbourhood where the development is occurring....
We’re listening, working, and taking action
By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
Welcome back to the Times! We’re pleased to see this vital community service continuing as an important...
Eastern Busway’s final stage facing major financial hurdle
The final stage of the Eastern Busway has a large hurdle to overcome with Auckland Council not including funding for it in its recently...
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...
