January - February 2026: Chairperson's Report
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
February board business meeting: Chair's report
The following is a copy of my Chair's report I write for our monthly business meetings (this one being from 24 February). The local board did not have a business meeting in January.
Purpose of the report
To receive the chairperson’s update on recent activities of the chairperson, itemised by outcomes in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2023.
Executive summary
Items noted in this report are intended to be key highlights, not a full overview of all activity.
Our People
Deputy Chair Law and I met with Rodney Police Area Commander on 28 November to
discuss various ongoing and emerging issues in the Hibiscus Coast area. Whilst crime
statistics remain low, they recognise that businesses (particularly in Orewa) are feeling
unsafe with increasing homelessness, so the local police station have been working
closely with the BID manager and are continuing their on-foot presence in the business
district.
On 3 December Heart of the Bays hosted an event, which I attended, to welcome people
into their temporary new space in St Anne’s Hall while redevelopment of our Council
offices on Bute Road takes place. They’ve done a fantastic job at improving the smaller
spaces off the side of the main hall to ensure community groups can fit and are
comfortable.
I attended a coffee catch up for the East Coast Bays Youth Organisations Network on 11
February. They are at their infancy of setting up the network but there are already some
good connections being made to support each other and ultimately, for the benefit of our
young people.
Our Community
On 10 December I met two residents at our reserve 1 Auger Lane, Millwater regarding
the community’s interest in providing a mountain bike track/jumps. With me was our
senior arborist, parks and places specialist, and parks and community facilities manager.
We outlined what could and could not be done given the legal advice we had received
and were open to allowing for some activity that ensured a safe experience for all and
where our contractors could still operate around the outside of. This discussion is
ongoing.
On 2 February Deputy Chair Law and I met with Gary Noland (GM Residential,
Southpark Corporation Limited) regarding an application that has been submitted to
Council regarding leasing and landowner approval to extend their privately owned gym
and pool on to reserve land. They wanted to discuss various approaches and options
they are open to but didn’t have the ability to meet with staff. We were there to listen only.
We will await the application and staff advice that is underway for the board’s
consideration.
The groundbreaking ceremony for our Long Bay youth park development took place on 5
December. Ngāti Manuhiri, contractors, staff, Deputy Chair Law and I took part in this.
The toilet block has since been installed, and the youth park itself will start development
in the second half of this calendar year.
Our Environment
Trash Free Taiaotea held their annual summer BBQ on 10 February to thank their
supporters which I attended. They are continuing some great work and had most recently
completed waste education at the Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa marae Waitangi Day event
at Ōrewa Beach
Our Places and Economy
My first attendance as the delegate to the Browns Bay Business Improvement District
Board meeting was on 10 February 2026. I updated the board on the upcoming Local
Board Plan drafting, consultation events, improvements of bollards and chains to protect
the southern end of the beach, and a change coming approximately mid-2026 to Traffic
Management Plans that move it from a code approach to a risk-based approach which
should lead to some cost efficiencies
February board business meeting key reports to note
Agenda & Minutes
The February meeting included several important reports where the board made decisions on local funding and provided input into wider Auckland Council and Government processes.
Navigation Bylaw review (local board views): I wrote the resolutions which were then supported from the board on proposed improvements to the Navigation Bylaw 2014.
In its resolution, we:
Supported updating the bylaw to reflect increased use of Auckland’s waterways
Emphasised the need for strong safety provisions and enforceability
Highlighted the importance of ensuring rules are practical and responsive to local coastal conditions
Local board reorganisation for the 2028 elections: I wrote the feedback on progressing a reorganisation of local boards ahead of the 2028 elections which was supported by the board.
The resolution:
Supported further work on representation review
Stressed that any changes must maintain or improve fair representation
Emphasised that communities of interest should be clearly recognised and preserved
Hibiscus Coast Highway (Hatfields Beach) speed limit proposal: The board provided formal feedback supporting the proposed speed limit changes.
The resolution specifically:
Supported reducing speed limits along this corridor
Noted the area’s high pedestrian use and recreational nature
Reinforced the need for safer speeds in beachside environments
Browns Bay town centre speed limit review: The board endorsed lower speed limits in Browns Bay town centre.
Through its resolution, the board:
Supported reducing speeds to better reflect the town centre environment
Highlighted the need to prioritise pedestrian safety and vibrancy
Indicated that slower speeds support a more people-focused town centre
Submission to the Inquiry into the 2025 Local Elections: The board approved and submitted the feedback I wrote to the parliamentary inquiry.
The resolution included support for:
Improving voter participation and accessibility
Making voting processes simpler and more user-friendly
Strengthening confidence and integrity in local elections
Record of urgent decision: Planning and Natural Environment Bills: The board formally noted and endorsed an urgent decision to submit feedback that I wrote on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill.
The resolution confirmed the board’s submission which:
Opposed removal of “amenity” as a core planning concept
Called for clear roles, responsibilities, and funding clarity
Supported efficient but robust planning processes
Emphasised protecting local environmental standards and decision-making
Intertidal shellfish overharvesting: Section 186A Fisheries Act application & community advocacy
In 2025, I shared information with our community about Ngati Manuhiri's proposed temporary closure (under Section 186A of the Fisheries Act) aimed at protecting and restoring marine life by banning the taking of shellfish, seaweed and rockpool species from parts of our coastline. This was in response to widespread concern from residents and recreational users about declining shoreline ecology and unsustainable harvesting pressures.
I joined many in the Protect Whangaparaoa Rockpools group protest in January, which advocated for the temporary closure. The local board and I actively encouraged community feedback to decision-makers and worked with partners to elevate those voices.
Successful Closure Announcement
In March 2026, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries announced a two-year temporary closure of fisheries waters along stretches of the Hauraki Gulf coastline including Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula to take effect from 12 March 2026. This closure aims to give marine ecosystems space to recover.
It was brilliant to see the success of Ngati Manuhiri's hard work in preparing the application, the community pressure and local advocacy contribute to a successful outcome for those areas.
Disappointment for East Coast Bays & Ongoing Action
However, the closure did not include the East Coast Bays area (as applied for), which was understandably disappointing for many in our community who care deeply about protecting local marine life. I’ve been clear that while this outcome is a step forward, it doesn’t go far enough for our whole board area.
To address this, I've:
Written to the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hon Shane Jones and his Under Secretary Jenny Marcroft MP advocating for the expansion of the closure to include East Coast Bays, and the merits of extending the two-year ban to include all of Auckland dur to displacement issues.
Official Information Act requests to the Minister's office for information received by him to help inform his decision (particularly why East Coast Bays wasn't included) and to the Ministry of Primary Industries about data held on recorded complaints and poaching in the East Coast Bays area.
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