Alexis Poppelbaum - Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

07/06/2026

Another playground renewal is about to get underway in Torbay! 🎉

From 8 June, work will begin to renew the playground at Stredwick Reserve in Torbay. The existing playground equipment will be removed and replaced with new play equipment, along with a small reconfiguration of the play area to make the most of the space.

The project is expected to take around 4–5 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

These renewals are an important way we keep our local parks safe, fun and enjoyable for families, while ensuring playground equipment is replaced as it reaches the end of its life.

Thank you to local residents for your patience while the work is underway!

04/06/2026

Government invests $10 million to boost Auckland predator-free projects

Today's announcement of a $10 million Government investment into predator-free projects across Auckland is very welcome news for our environment and the many community groups working to protect it.

The funding recognises something many of us have known for a long time: conservation succeeds when communities, mana whenua, councils, government agencies, philanthropy and volunteers work together over the long term.

It's also fantastic to see the NEXT Foundation committing to co-funding predator-free activity alongside its partners. The Foundation has played a significant role in supporting ambitious conservation projects across NZ, and its willingness to invest alongside government, councils and communities helps turn big environmental aspirations into reality.

Here on the Hibiscus Coast, we've seen firsthand what sustained investment can achieve. For many years, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has supported local environmental initiatives, including Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project (a Forest and Bird project), alongside Auckland Council's Natural Environment Targeted Rate funding. That long-term commitment has helped build capability, momentum and credibility, creating the conditions for additional partnerships and investment to follow.

While today's announcement doesn't allocate funding to specific local projects just yet, it sends a strong signal that community-led conservation matters and that the work happening across Auckland is being recognised and backed.

Most importantly, this is about people.

Behind every trap line, pest-monitoring route, restoration planting day and bird count are volunteers giving up their time because they care about the future of our environment. They are the people creating healthier ecosystems, protecting native wildlife and restoring the natural places that make Auckland special.

The funding announced today will help build on the incredible work already underway across Tāmaki Makaurau. It's a reminder that when communities are supported over the long term, and when local investment attracts support from government and philanthropic partners such as the NEXT Foundation, extraordinary things can happen.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers, advocates, fundraises and contributes to conservation efforts in our community. The results we're seeing today are built on years of dedication by people who simply decided to get involved and make a difference.

03/06/2026

Following ongoing safety and environmental concerns, Auckland Council is working to restore Hooton Reserve as a welcoming space for everyone to use and enjoy.

This is being carried out with care and consideration for the welfare of those currently residing onsite.

ℹ Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/yx77webs

31/05/2026

King’s Birthday. Grey skies. Cold. While the weather is miserable, there is one thing worth doing today that really matters 🙏🩵

The Fisheries NZ consultation on protecting and regenerating rockpool species closes on 12 June.

We have all had the conversations. At the boat ramp. At the beach. In Facebook comments. Standing beside empty rock pools wondering where everything went.

But here’s the uncomfortable question: Are you going to be someone who complained, or someone who submitted?

This consultation is the biggest proposed changes to intertidal harvesting rules in the Auckland and Coromandel area in decades, including potential intertidal closures to help shellfish and marine life recover. Decisions will be influenced by what lands in their inbox, not by what gets written in comment sections.

👉 Consultation information:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-measures-for-shore-based-shellfish-harvesting-in-the-auckland-coromandel-area

👉 Easy submission form:
https://form.jotform.com/luellabartlett/mpi-auckland-coromandel-review

28/05/2026

Last weekend I had the pleasure of opening the 12th Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards at Mairangi Arts Centre and the talent on display is incredible 👏🎨

The awards celebrate the depth of creativity across our community and beyond, showcasing works from emerging and established artists across a wide range of styles and mediums. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board is proud to help fund these awards that are alternatively hosted by MAC and Estuary Arts Centre.

The exhibition is open to the public until 6 June, so make sure you pop in and have a look!

Mairangi Arts Centre also has some fantastic free family events coming up with their “Build a Tiny Hidden Village” workshops (you must attend both dates). Families can create magical fairy and gnome doors and tiny homes together in either a lively community workshop or a quieter sensory-friendly session.

🧚‍♂️ Community Workshop
6 & 13 June, 12PM–1:20PM
Book here: https://shorturl.at/SA6BX

🤍 Sensory-Friendly Workshop
6 & 13 June, 2PM–3:30PM
Book here: https://shorturl.at/zx9FK

📍 Mairangi Arts Centre
🎨 Free — all materials provided
👨‍👩‍👧 Children must be accompanied by a caregiver
@ tag someone who would love this!

27/05/2026

Heads up Stanmore Bay! 🛹

Renewal works at the Stanmore Bay Skate Park on Brightside Road are set to begin from Tuesday 2 June and are expected to take approximately 6–8 weeks (weather dependent).

The skate bowl and street section are getting a serious refresh, including:
• New coping
• Grinding and polishing of bowl surfaces
• Crack repairs and resurfacing
• Concrete sealing and finishing
• Cleaning of vertical surfaces and timber handrails

The immediate work area will be fenced off for public safety, but disruption to the wider park is expected to be minimal.

Thanks for your patience while the park gets upgraded!

25/05/2026

🌱 Free native plants are up for grabs across Auckland this June!

Auckland Council is giving away thousands of free native seedlings through nine community nurseries across the region, while stocks last.

The initiative supports Auckland’s goal of increasing native tree canopy cover to 30%, helping restore biodiversity, create cooler greener neighbourhoods, and support native wildlife like tūī, bellbirds and bees.

📍 Find your nearest participating nursery and events here:
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/media-centre/2026/may/plant-natives/

25/05/2026

Look what's arrived at Bonair Reserve in Millwater 👀🛴🛹

22/05/2026

Some long awaited plans for Metro Park West 🙌

Update! Park Development - Butler Stoney Park (Kawerau - Metro Park West)

This park is finally being developed by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, and I am pleased to share the design below.

Soon to become one of the biggest local parks, our investment will add trees, pathways, playspace, picnic space, and improved walkway connections. Possible event space with a stage is also on the cards.

Construction set to begin January 2027.