Mike Turinsky - Howick Local Board

If you could improve one thing in our area, what would it be? 🧐

last chance to have your say before 23 July. Let us know what needs improving here https://tinyurl.com/bde7n6mf

🐶Lloyd Elsmore Dog Park Upgrade
We’re excited to share that renewal works at the Lloyd Elsmore Dog Park are scheduled to begin from mid next week (approximately 28th May depending on the weather).

In response to public request, the Howick Local Board is installing:
✅ New drinking fountain
✅ Improved drainage within the dog park
✅ Better play options for the dogs
✅ Additional entry point to help distribute foot traffic and mitigate potential health and safety concerns (particularly in situations involving aggressive dogs). This access point will also function as an emergency exit.
✅ New seating areas and natural shade. Existing fencing will be extended up to the tree line to take advantage of natural shade, as illustrated.

To safely carry out these works, the dog park will be temporarily closed for approximately 3–4 weeks from the start date (weather dependent). We understand this may be inconvenient for the community, but these upgrades will help make the park an even better space for both dog owners and furry friends 🐶

On Saturday night, I was honoured to attend the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ Remembrance Day as part of the Howick Local Board, alongside councillors and other local board members from across Auckland, for an evening of profound commemoration, recognition, and advocacy.

It was especially meaningful to support my friend and fellow Howick Local Board Member, Krish Naidu, in his role as President of the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ.

With Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the Leader of the Opposition, and MPs from across the political spectrum also in attendance, the evening reflected the national importance of recognising the history, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Girmitiya.

Marking 147 years since the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in Fiji, this was more than a remembrance event. It was a powerful tribute to the courage, resilience, and cultural strength of the Fijian Indian community.

A special night that honoured the past while advocating for recognition, identity, and unity for future generations.

⚠️ Cyclone Vaianu Update – Please Be Prepared Auckland 🌧️🌬️

MetService has issued its first update on Cyclone Vaianu, which is currently tracking towards New Zealand and expected to arrive this weekend.

Auckland Emergency Management is actively monitoring the situation and is encouraging all Aucklanders to stay informed.

🌀 What we know so far:
• Expected to move across the North Island on Sunday 12 April
• Strong Wind Watch in place for Auckland and the entire North Island
• Risk of damaging, potentially life-threatening winds
• Heavy rain and dangerous coastal conditions likely
• High chance this will be upgraded to Orange or Red Warnings

⚠️ What this means:
We could see damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured items. Travel may be dangerous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

✅ Three things you can do NOW:
• Stay updated via the MetService app or website - https://www.metservice.com/
• Clear gutters, drains, and secure outdoor items
• Prepare for power outages – torches, batteries, charged phones

📢 Important: Please follow and share updates directly from Auckland Emergency Management to ensure accurate, up-to-date information and avoid misinformation. Auckland Emergency Management

I will continue to share updates as more information comes through. Stay safe and get prepared early ⛈️

Fun morning at the Botany Library Lunar New Year event. Great performances and celebrations.

An open invitation from the Citizens Advice Bureau to all non-profit organisations. Keen to attend? Just RSVP to Vani Kapoor at [email protected]
See you there🤗!

Accent Drive (East Tāmaki) improvement engagement update and proposal

Auckland Transport’s Network Optimisation team has shared the results of public feedback on the Accent Drive congestion and safety project, and is asking the Howick Local Boards to support progressing it to construction this financial year.

Why does this matter? Accent Drive is a key industrial/commuter route carrying up to 17,000 vehicles per weekday, including 7.4% freight, and currently suffers afternoon congestion and a bottleneck at Te Irirangi Drive.

What’s being proposed (low-disruption, no kerb changes):

Add an extra southbound lane towards Chapel Road (by narrowing parts of the median)

Introduce a weekday clearway 3–7pm to keep traffic moving (parking still available outside these hours)

Add broken yellow lines in parts to improve safety/visibility, especially where parked vehicles can block sightlines

Public Feedback results: Engagement ran 6–28 Oct 2025, with strong reach (891 page visits; 78 survey responses). Support was generally strong, including 74% backing the extra lane and 56% agreeing the 3–7pm clearway hits the busiest window.

A formal presentation from AT to the Howick Local Board is scheduled for 29 Jan 2026, to seek endorsement to proceed.

If you commute through Accent Drive or operate a business nearby, I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially around safety and the 3–7pm parking impacts.

Merry Christmas from the Howick Local Board Santa Parade float!