Active time for Howick Local Board members
Krish Naidu, third from left, with other Howick locally elected members, and people associated with the Howick Bowling Club’s new covered green project at its official opening on June 6. Photo supplied Howick Photographic Society Margaret Jones
By Krish Naidu, Howick Local Board member
The past few weeks have been extremely busy across east Auckland, with a range of important engagement activities, local board workshops, and business meetings taking place.
One of the major focuses for the Howick Local Board has been the development and review of the Draft Howick Local Board Plan 2026.
On May 28, the draft plan was officially approved at the local board business meeting and will now move into the public consultation phase.
Community feedback is incredibly important, and residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming “Have Your Say” Community Hui sessions on Saturday, June 27, from 12pm to 2pm at Flat Bush Library, Ormiston Town Centre, and on Thursday, July 9, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Botany Library, Botany Town Centre.
One of the engagements I always look forward to each month is the regular police meeting held at Ormiston Police Station.
It’s pleasing to see police working hard and maintaining a strong visible presence across Flat Bush and east Auckland.
Car break-ins remain an ongoing issue, particularly in the Flat Bush area. Police are advising residents to keep windows up and avoid leaving keys, personal belongings, or work tools inside vehicles.
There are also continuing reports of parcels being stolen from doorsteps, and residents are encouraged to take extra care with deliveries and collection arrangements.
For repeat victims of vehicle crime, steering locks are available as part of ongoing crime prevention efforts.
Residents are encouraged to join the Community Cam initiative, which is a voluntary, not-for-profit initiative that helps support safer neighbourhoods through community collaboration. To learn more or register, visit www.communitycam.co.nz.
Many residents have also expressed disappointment following Auckland Council’s approval of a 7.9 per cent rates increase.
Councillors Maurice Williamson and Bo Burns opposed the increase and advocated for a reduced rise of 5.8 per cent. However, the 7.9 per cent proposal was ultimately passed.
One of the personal highlights from the recent workshops was the discussion around illegal dumping across the Howick Local Board area.
The board remains committed to tackling this issue through a range of measures, including investment in additional surveillance technology such as AI-enabled cameras to help deter illegal dumping and strengthen enforcement efforts.
Exciting news with the opening of the new facility Game Over in Pakuranga, which will provide a welcome boost for the local east Auckland community.
Councillor Bo Burns will also be hosting a series of community catch-ups.
Residents are encouraged to come along, ask questions, share their views, and connect with local representatives.
Some great news to finish May — Barry Curtis Park has officially been named the winner of the 2026 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Award for Playspace of the Year (over $500,000).
I look forward to working with the board, our partners, and the community over the second half of the year.