January – March 2024

It has been fantastic to start the year off with a beautiful summer, lots of swimming and walking. The good weather has also meant that projects have been able to proceed at pace, including the works being done to remediate Waikōwhai Park. We attended a dawn karakia on the 6^th March to acknowledge the work done in the park – we are awaiting other pieces to come together until the park can be officially reopened, and I appreciate the annoyance many members of the public feel. We have also had some big disruptions to the road network as part of the Watercare project to improve the water supply, which have caused a few issues for local businesses. Important work, but important to make sure people can access our local shops. I have also been busy with Manukau Harbour Forum work, including attending community wananga, workshops and a stall at the Portage crossing. The big piece of work underway at the moment is the Long Term Plan consultation and I encourage community members to read it and submit before the month is over. Finally, it was great to be in Wairaki/Lynfield Reserve in late February and to acknowledge the bilingual signage installed in the park, with mana whenua, community groups, and local schools all in attendance.

Roles assigned by the local board

• Chair of the Manukau Harbour Forum.

Meetings / events attended

• 24^th January – Manukau Harbour Forum meeting with I&ES and DC Cole.
• 25^th January –  Puketāpapa Local Board workshop.
• 4^th February – Waitangi at Waititi.
• 15^th February – Puketāpapa Local Board business meeting .
• 15^th February – Puketāpapa Community Network meeting
• 15^th February – Puketāpapa Local Board workshop.
• 19^th February – Briefing on Freshwater Management Plans via Teams.
• 22^nd February – Puketāpapa Local Board workshop.
• 23^rd February –  Manukau Harbour Forum workshop and business meeting.
• 24^th February – MHF stall at the Annual Portage Crossing in Mangere Bridge.
• 26^th February – Manukau Harbour Forum wānanga with community groups at Fickling Centre.
• 27^th February – Te Whakarewatanga at Wairaki/Lynfield Reserve to celebrate the dual naming of the park.
• 29^th February – Puketāpapa Local Board workshop.
• 6^th March – Dawn Blessing for the completed works in Waikōwhai park.