While I'm pleased that there will be some improvements, I'm disappointed that after a decade of discussion and a lot of public money, we didn't deliver enough of what the community wanted - safer access to the beach.
For the record, I voted for all six sites to be delivered in line with community feedback and public safety.
I voted against the reversal of the two sites in line with community feedback, public safety, and waste of public money.
Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and AT will ensure local residents are informed of the confirmed start dates and construction impacts.
As a result, the following will be delivered by AT:
🚧Wharf Road / The Parade - new pedestrian zebra crossing markings on existing raised platform
🚧Laings Road intersection - clearer road markings and signage & high friction surface
Changes were made as a result of feedback and in Sept 2025 the HLB provided approval to deliver 4 of the 6 sites (not 23 or 55 The Parade).
In March 2026, some members of the Howick Local Board asked to revoke the approval for two of these sites (Devon Rd and 41 The Parade).
Stage 2 proposed changes to 6 sites identified by public, local board, and traffic survey. Public consultation in July 2025 with 500+ letters delivered to locals plus online marketing. 24 responses received with 50% (12) in support, 33% (8) against and 17% (4) neutral.
Stage 1 of The Parade was delivered in September 2024 with the installation of a concrete raised pedestrian crossing near Laings Road and three speed humps between Laings Road and Whitcombe Road.
🚧Update on Stage 2 of The Parade, Bucklands Beach
Since 2014, the Howick Local Board (HLB) has been working with Auckland Transport (AT) on safety improvements for The Parade, Bucklands Beach.
You can find out more about the project, including the haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/the-parade-b...
Thank you for this Councillor. It's helpful having this quick summary of the meetings as they happen. ❤️
I have not seen the previous options (presumably 1-3) and only saw these options on 24 March in a confidential memo. We received a confidential presentation on 2 April, which is similar to the one released for this meeting.
I have my own views, but I am keeping an open mind ahead of the meeting. I am concerned about the change to the cycleway and the risk that these changes may not solve the wider issue of congestion along this busy route (and surrounding area).
"Part of decision making over final layout will includes understanding the cost (along with technical approvals). This work is still ongoing and unconfirmed at this time."
You can see the presentation along with the report for our meeting this week. aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeti...
After the Eastern Busway Alliance receives the Local Board’s formal response to the feedback questions, the team will analyse the feedback and respond.
The cost for intersection modifications will be funded by Auckland Transport.
"Given the limited scope to influence and the aim to deliver improvements to the intersection quickly, public engagement was not considered appropriate."
Howick Local Board will formally provide our feedback this Thu 23 April (open meeting, starting at 12noon).
"...in late March to allow the project team to gather information on how the wider community, including visitors and students, use the intersection and cycleway."
Option 4a is the preferred option for AT traffic operations and Auckland Transport Operations Center (ATOC).
As noted in the report "Engagement was undertaken with key project stakeholders including St Kentigern’s College, Bike Auckland, Sedar Properties, Barfoot & Thompson..."
This includes "higher-than-expected demand and unchanged driver behaviour resulted in ongoing congestion, particularly during the afternoon peak along Pakūranga Road towards Howick."
Eastern Busway have identified two preferred options for feedback (see images).
🚧 Pakūranga Road and Rā Hihi intersection update
Since the Rā Hihi flyover opened in October 2025, there have been concerns raised about the performance of the intersection with Pakūranga Road.
📅 Fri 24 April: Howick Leisure Centre - 50th Birthday Celebration
📅 Fri 24 April: Howick Local Board Members and Councillors Catch-up Meeting
📅 Sat 25 April: ANZAC Dawn Service (6am) and Civic Service (11am) on Stockade Hill
This week:
📅 Mon 20 April: Tūpuna Maunga Authority Hui 104 (closed workshop only)
📅 Thu 23 April: HLB workshop (aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeti...)
📅 Thu 23 April: HLB meeting (aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeti...)
On Saturday I attended Flat Bush Ratepayers & Residents AGM. Botany used to cover Flat Bush. HLB Deputy Kai Zeng spoke on issues like illegal dumping, lack of facilities, and need for improved sense of community.
Good turnout, including from local MP Rima Nakhle (Takanini).
📑Howick Local Board Plan 2026 – another workshop to develop our upcoming 3-year strategic plan, this time reviewing the first draft. This will be refined further before going for public consultation in June/July before adoption in October.
Roads with high traffic (3-5k+ cars, 350+ trucks or 35+ buses per day & part of Future Connect) or regionally significant (e.g. very heavy vehicle, Eden Park & City Centre) will sit with Governing Body – about 1/3 of roads. Formal feedback will be provided at April meeting.
🛣️Auckland Transport regarding the Auckland Roading Classification Framework (ARCF) this is a new requirement under the pending transport reform legislation, helping determine which roads will be managed by the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) and relevant local boards.
On Thursday we had our HLB workshop (aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeti...)
📑 Community Grants – we reviewed the recent applications in a closed workshop, due to be confirmed at our April business meeting
On Wednesday I attended Business East Tamaki Committee meeting. They’d recently delivered fantastic RSM East Auckland Business Awards, showcasing very best local businesses.
Also had good conversation about Auckland Transport reform, including roading classification.
Weekly Wrap Up - 13 April 2026. What I've been doing as one of your Botany representatives on the Howick Local Board
Each week I’m providing a quick summary of the meetings and events I’ve attended as a member of the Howick Local Board (HLB).
This is my report for last week, starting Monday 13 April.
We also still need to close some sessions to protect sensitive information which isn't ready for public release yet. The decision to close workshops is made by the Chair, with advice from staff.
As of January 2025, these are open to the public by default. While everyone is welcome to attend to observe open sessions, there is no opportunity for the public to speak or ask questions.
Workshops are informal sessions used to canvass issues, prepare local board members for upcoming decisions and to enable discussion between elected members and staff. We don't make decisions here - they're made at our monthly business meetings.