Howick Local Board Celebrates New Playground Opening in Flat Bush

A new children’s playground officially opened at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush on January 20, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the community. Members of the Howick Local Board and representatives from Ngai Tai ki Tamaki participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the addition of this recreational facility designed to benefit local families.

Commitment to Community Development

In his first month as a member of the Howick Local Board and serving as one of its deputy chairs, Kai Zeng has emphasized the importance of community engagement and development. His role involves balancing ongoing projects with fresh initiatives to enhance the community’s quality of life. The Howick Local Board represents approximately 9.5 percent of Auckland’s population, making its efforts particularly impactful.

During this period, Zeng joined Bruce Kendall, the local board chairperson, in discussions about the Ormiston Library and Community Centre project. Their focus was on identifying and overcoming challenges that could impede project delivery. Additionally, Zeng attended a monthly chair’s forum where local board leaders discussed critical regional priorities, including the City Rail Link and community recreation services.

Recent initiatives have included an information session regarding the PC120 project, facilitated by Howick ward councillors and staff to keep the community informed and engaged.

Support for Youth and Local Initiatives

The Howick Local Board is dedicated to addressing the needs of its younger residents. Zeng highlighted that fostering a vibrant community requires contributions from individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The board is actively supporting youth-oriented groups and initiatives, such as the Howick Youth Council, which implements programs like Adulting 101 and the Junior Youth Summit.

Other supported initiatives include Pest Free Howick, which promotes environmental education in schools, and Arts Out East, which nurtures local artists and cultural projects. Business East Tamaki, representing over 3,300 businesses and 2,100 property owners, recently hosted an event entitled Future Connect: Building Youth and Employer Readiness Together, aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities.

Zeng has also engaged with various youth initiatives, such as the Let Me Speak civic engagement panel and police programs designed to foster relationships with younger community members. He emphasized the board’s commitment to meeting residents where they are, including through the recently launched Auckland Council Local Boards Instagram channel that highlights local events and resources.

Looking ahead, the Howick Local Board plans to facilitate more face-to-face discussions at school assemblies and community events starting in early 2024. As the board begins shaping its Howick Local Board Plan 2026, community input will be crucial in determining priorities for the area.

Zeng encourages residents to share their thoughts and ideas, stating, “Together, we can build the future of east Auckland.” With ongoing developments and community-focused initiatives, the Howick Local Board is committed to enhancing the vitality of the region for all residents.