Howick Local Board has established its work programme for the new financial year and is focused on delivery of the outcomes in its Local Board Plan [5.94MB].
Board plans are three-year strategies created with community input that outline community aspirations and a board’s direction and priorities.
The Howick Local Plan was adopted last year and has informed the board’s planning for FY24/25.
“People might recognise some of the initiatives from previous plans and have been introducing new initiatives to address emerging challenges and opportunities,” board chair Damian Light says.
“There are also initiatives that respond to new and emerging challenges and opportunities.”
The plan is organised into five categories - People, Environment, Community, Places, and Economy.
Ō Tātou Tāngata / Our people
Centred on supporting people in the area’s diverse communities to be strong, resilient, inclusive and healthy, and to actively participate to make the area a safe place to live, work and play.
The board empowers that through grants programmes and event partnerships.
“We’re proud to support vital local initiatives with funding,” Light says. “That includes things such as backing the important work of the Howick Volunteer Coastguard, enhancing arts, culture, and music through Uxbridge Arts and Culture, Arts Out East, and local bands; and empowering rangatahi (youth) by continuing our support for the Howick Youth Council.”
Tō Tātou Taiao / Our environment
Involves protecting our natural environment to ensure the world we pass on to future generations has been well looked after and nourished.
“We’re driving environmental action by funding Pest Free Howick Ward and EnviroSchools for sustainability projects in schools.
Our efforts to protect the mauri (lifeforce) of our awa (waterways) include ongoing stream improvements and new support for Botany and Pakuranga Creeks.
Additionally, our updated pollution prevention programmes work with local businesses to both educate and enforce best practices,” says Light.
Tō Tātou Hapori / Our community
Supporting community participation through services and facilities, and maintaining them in such a way as to provide maximum benefit for the area.
“To better meet community needs, we're offering free local park activities, increased funding for sports participation, and honoring our sports heroes with the annual awards. Unfortunately, the Celebrating Cultures event will be on hold in 2025 as we review ways to improve it,” Light says
Ō Tātou Wāhi / Our places
Supporting growth, development and transport by promoting vibrant town centres, more accessible public transport and greater connectivity with schools, community facilities and transport hubs.
“To invigorate our town centres, we're aiding a potential expansion of the Howick Village Association and are delighted to continue funding the newly-established Te Taiwhanga Taiohi Youth Space in Botany,” Light says.
Tā Tātou Ōhanga / Our economy
Supporting economic recovery by promoting businesses, Business Improvement Districts, facilitating local youth employment and increasing visitor numbers.
“To attract more visitors we’re investing in East Auckland Tourism and providing operational funding for Howick Village, a cornerstone of local tourism,” Light says.
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