Damian Light
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damianlight.bsky.social
Damian Light
@damianlight.bsky.social
him/he,
Te Poari ā-Rohe o Howick | Howick Local Board,
Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council

Auth by D Light damianlight.co.nz
This coming week:
📅Tuesday Plan Change 120 intensification public meeting(akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-fu...)
📅Thursday HLB workshop (see separate post for details)
📅Saturday Barry Curtis destination playground opening 10am-12noon
📅Sunday Stockade Hill Christmas Lighting 6-9pm
Auckland's Future Housing Plan - Plan Change 120
Submissions open from 3 November to 19 December 2025.
akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
On Saturday I attended the funeral for Michael Williams. Known locally as former Principal of Pakūranga College, he had a long distinguished career and his impact was very visible with the large turnout of former students and colleagues from numerous colleges across Auckland.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
On Friday I attended an afternoon tea hosted by Botany MP Christopher Luxon to celebrate and thank local community organisations for their work. It was also an opportunity to thank his electorate staff who work with local residents on a wide range of issues.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Eastern Busway - I asked the project to confirm the impact of opening of the flyover on Ti Rākau Dr and they will come back to us.

The open session was on community engagement and we had a good discussion on how to connect with individuals and groups we don't normally hear from.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Thursday we had our Howick Local Board workshop - informal sessions where staff brief us on upcoming issues and answer our questions. Unfortunately most of these were closed and/or confidential so I'm unable to reveal what was discussed.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
We finished with a tour of Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) command centre. They have a team on at all times (including oncall after hours) but call on trained staff within the wider AC group when they need to scale up.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
We discussed what was necessary for effective meetings and community engagement in interactive and informative sessions. It was also a good opportunity to reconnect with returning members and meet the new members of the central Local Boards.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
On Monday, I attended Elected Members training, along with members of Howick, Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke, Waitematā, Ōrākei, & Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Boards. Also joined by Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Councillor Josephine Bartley & Deputy Mayor (Ōrākei Councillor) Desley Simpson.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
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.
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
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.
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
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.
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
On the closed agenda for this week (11-1pm, 2-4:30pm)
- Annual Planning (11-1pm)
- Quick Response Grant Round One (2-4pm)
- Business Meeting preparation (4-430pm)

On the open workshop agenda for this week (1:30pm-2pm)
- Logan Carr Reserve wheeled play project
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
But sadly, due to ideologically driven agendas, cheap politics, and imported culture wars these rights are still under threat.

This day and every day I say to our trans whānau - you are seen, loved, and valued.
November 20, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Transgender rights are human rights and the most fundamental is the right to self determination. Thanks to the unwavering determination and solidarity of many, we have made incredible progress.
November 20, 2025 at 1:01 AM
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.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
On closed agenda (11-11:45am, 12:45-4pm)
- Eastern Busway
- Communications
- Playground Fencing Proposal Cockle Bay
- Leases for Howick Sailing Club & Bucklands Beach Yacht Club

On open agenda (11:45am-12:45pm)
- Engagement Update

See agenda here: aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeti...
Resolve
aucklandcouncil.resolve.red
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Come hang out, grab a bite, and enjoy all the good vibes - kids’ entertainment, face painting, a Girl Guides sausage sizzle, plus coffee and ice cream to keep you going.
November 18, 2025 at 3:58 AM
✅ FREE entry - bring the whole whānau/family/crew!

Our destination playground offers play for all ages and abilities, nature play zones, and accessible pathways. We’ve also refreshed the Wetlands Building with new seating and a chill area for longer visits.
November 18, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Your feedback now will help us put together the draft Local Board Plan 2026. That draft will come back to the community later in 2026 for formal consultation and feedback.
November 13, 2025 at 8:07 PM