From my whānau to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Looking forward to 2026, we will be:
✅Opening the Flat Bush Pop Up Library (expected to be March 2026);
✅Starting work on our new strategic plan Local Board Plan 2026;
✅Consulting on our annual plan for July 2026 to June 2027.

Of course 2025 was also an election year, which brought its challenges and opportunities. Thank you again to the residents of Botany who voted for my return to the Howick Local Board - it’s a privilege to serve as your representative.

✅Opening of the Barry Curtis Park destination playground (December).

None of this would have been possible without the support of our amazing staff, our partners, and the community - thank you all.

✅Another record breaking year of Pest Free Howick’s moth plant competition with over 6.1 BILLION potential seeds stopped from spreading (June).
✅Celebrating our diverse cultures with our communities with Ramadan, Diwali, Moon Festival, Buddha’s Birthday, and Matariki.

✅Strengthening our connections with mana whenua by supporting their mahi like hosting Waitangi Celebrations at Barry Curtis Park, mahi toi (artwork) unveiling at Half Moon Bay, and dawn blessing for Rā Hihi.

✅Ensuring fairer and more effective representation for Flat Bush (March).
✅Marking 100 years since Emilia Maude Nixon’s arrival in Howick with Kotahitanga (May).
✅Securing the future of Marina Fitness with a multi-year lease, responding to the wishes of our community (May)

As we farewell 2025, it’s good to look back on the year that has been. In addition to our normal events, projects and activities, some highlights for me include:
✅Opening our workshops up for the public, providing much needed transparency and accountability (January).

I’ll be relaxing with whānau and friends until 5 January and only checking my emails/social media infrequently during this time. Urgent issues that need escalation can be text to 0272 763 822.

Thanking you. Didn't realise this was an option but given the risks of everything grinding to a halt, does seem sensible. I guess the ultimate 'appeal' is to stand again and lwt the voters decide.

Excuse my ignorance but why is no no ability to appeal? I assumed that this was always an option in a Court Case?

The Independent Hearings Panel will make recommendations to the council on the proposed changes, with Auckland Council making the final decisions in mid-2027.

You don't need to be an expert or a homeowner to make a submission - everyone's view is important.

All submissions will be considered by an Independent Hearings Panel who will hold public hearings. You can request to speak at a hearing if you want (but you don't have to).

These are still proposed changes. We encourage Aucklanders to have their say before final decisions are made by making a submission on Plan Change 120.

You can find out more, including how to have your say here: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-fu...

This approach makes better use of existing infrastructure, such as the $5.5 billion City Rail Link and allows for more housing choice near town centres, train stations and rapid busways.

They aim to better protect people and property from floods and other natural hazards and focus more new homes in safer, well-connected areas close to jobs, shops, services, and fast, frequent public transport.

Auckland Council is proposing changes to where new homes and businesses can be built. These proposed changes (known as Proposed Plan Change 120) respond to central government direction for more housing and allow the council to strengthen its natural hazard rules.

Importantly it includes information about the upcoming closure of Ti Rākau Drive underneath the flyover after Christmas through till mid-Jan 2026.

To contact the Eastern Busway project team:
Phone: 0800 287 929
Email: [email protected]