What an incredible year 2022 has been!
I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Thank you to residents of East Auckland for your faith in me. Especially to the people of Botany for electing me to the Howick Local Board - it is a privilege and an honour to be able to serve our community. I love living in the heart of East Auckland and will continue to fight to make it the best place to live, work and enjoy.
Over the past few months I’ve had the opportunity to meeting and representing amazing individuals and groups across our communities. I know I’ve still got more to meet so if we haven’t managed to catch up yet, don’t worry, it’s a priority for the new year. I’ve always been proud of the community spirit in East Auckland, and I continue to be impressed by the incredible people who help make our part of the world so special.
Thank you to the other members of the Howick Local Board for giving me the opportunity as chairperson. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in the short time so far - enabling community groups through grants, advocating for our local residents and making some tough decisions to help our community. We’ve got some big challenges ahead in 2023, but I know we’re up for it. I’d also like to thank our staff who have been incredible at getting me up to speed - your support and advice is always appreciated.
Massive thank you to my whānau and friends, who have not only supported me through a very hectic year but also being so accepting that my other commitments mean I haven’t been as available as I would’ve liked. Hoping to catch up with everyone over the Summer!
Last weekend I caught up with my immediate family for an early Christmas celebration. Hosted by my sister in Canterbury, the whole whānau came down to celebrate and the weather turned out to allow us to have a fantastic day in the garden.
My formal engagements are over for the year and I’ll be stepping back for a couple of weeks. I’m staying around East Auckland and enjoying everything that Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has to offer (weather permitting). I’m looking forward to a break to recharge my batteries. And catching up on housework - my garden needs some love and care!
I’ll be back online from 9 January, keeping an eye on my phone for anything urgent in the meantime.
From my whānau to yours, I wish you the very best Christmas and New Years. If you are travelling, please take care - we want to see you safely in 2023.