Franklin residents are being encouraged to have their say on the future direction of their local area as Auckland Council gathers feedback on the draft Franklin Local Board Plan. The three-year plan sets out priorities for the Franklin area, but local input is needed to make sure it reflects what communities actually want and need. Feedback is open from 23 June to 23 July 2026 through Auckland Council’s Have Your Say platform. In 2023, 155 people shared feedback on the previous local board plan. While that input helped guide local decisions, Franklin has a population of more than 84,000 people, meaning there is still room for more community voices to be heard. The current draft plan focuses on several areas shaped by previous public feedback, including better community facilities, environmental restoration, safer walking and cycling connections, and support for community-led projects. One key focus is improving access to community spaces and services, especially for more isolated parts of Franklin. Projects such as the Beachlands Community Hub, Clevedon Library improvements, Clarks Beach facilities, and new parks are examples of how local feedback has influenced investment in shared spaces. Environmental protection is another priority. The local board has supported Predator Free Franklin, a community-led pest control and biodiversity programme coordinated by Te Ara Hīkoi. More than 20 local groups are now connected through the programme, helping protect native wildlife and restore local ecosystems. The Franklin Paths Programme is also improving walking and cycling links across the area. The programme includes 38 projects over 10 years, funded through a targeted rate. Completed and planned projects aim to make it safer and easier for residents to move between local places without relying only on cars. The draft plan also includes continued support for community-led action. Franklin’s Community Partnership Programme has supported local projects, community gardens, events, welcome packs, and shared spaces. Events such as the Beachlands Trolley Derby, Clevedon A&P Show, Franklin Hop, Waiuku Steel and Wheels, and local Matariki celebrations are among the activities supported through local partnerships. Auckland Council is encouraging residents to read the draft plan and share feedback before consultation closes. Local voices will help guide decisions on funding, services, environmental action, transport connections, and community initiatives over the next three years. Source: OurAuckland / Auckland Council Original update date: 30 June 2026

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is urging the Government and the insurance industry to work together on a national solution for disaster recovery funding, saying councils and local ratepayers should not be expected to carry the financial burden of major weather events alone. His comments come as Auckland’s $2 billion recovery programme comes to an end. According to Mayor Brown, the cost of recovery was higher than early estimates suggested, leaving ratepayers exposed to greater financial pressure. Mayor Brown said severe weather events are becoming an issue that affects communities across the country, not just Auckland. He argued that relying heavily on local councils and ratepayers to fund recovery is not fair or sustainable, especially when councils are already facing budget pressures and possible rates caps. He also raised concerns that early estimates underestimated the number of properties requiring support. Initial forecasts suggested about 700 properties could need voluntary buy-outs, but the final number was closer to 1,200. The Mayor acknowledged the work of communities, organisations, and council staff involved in Auckland’s response and recovery efforts. However, he said a clearer and more reliable national funding framework is needed before the next major disaster occurs. Mayor Brown will continue calling for the Government and the insurance industry to develop a fairer and more practical approach to disaster recovery funding. Source: OurAuckland / Auckland Council Original publish date: 1 July 2026

By Torika Tokalau Santa Claus is coming to town and south Aucklanders will have a chance to spot him at several parades, to ring in the festive season. Māngere, Papakura, Papatoetoe and Pukekohe are bringing back their annual Santa Parades in November and December - supported by their respective local boards. Manurewa's parade also returns this year, after a lack of funds forced its cancellation last year. Organiser Neil Punja said Manurewa businesses and community groups rallied together to ensure Santa would pass through Great South Rd. "We were very determined this time to bring it back," Punja said. "We didn't have enough funding last year, we just couldn't do it." The Manurewa Santa Parade organising committee worked early to decide the event would return. "In February we made the call that we would do it. It will cost us more than $30,000 to hold it and the community came together together to make it happen. "If we can just make one kid happy, that's all the difference we want to make this Christmas." The much-anticipated south Auckland parades promises a fun-filled, family event, with appearances from local groups and businesses, bands and Santa. Some organisers have doubled their parades with markets. Road closures have been planned ahead of all events, and organisers are asking people to plan their journeys ahead of time to avoid being late and disappointment. Manurewa and Pukekohe kick off the Christmas parades in south Auckland on November 30. Manurewa starts from 10am on the main street, before it moves to South Mall for entertainment, while Pukekohe's Christmas on the Green will start from 5pm at the Navigation Homes Stadium. Papatoetoe have an evening of fun on December 4, kicking off with a concert at 5pm before a Santa Parade at 7pm, at Dunnotar Rd. Māngere Market Santa Parade will be held on December 5, at Coronation Rd from 4pm. Papakura switches venue to Bruce Pulman Park on 8 December, to help save costs. Local Board chair Brent Catchpole said the change of venue guaranteed a long-standing part of Christmas in Papakura continues. “We meet so many people who remember parades of years gone by and while towns might be struggling to continue with them," Catchpole said. Catchpole said Bruce Pulman was a wonderful facility that would easily accommodate the community’s needs. "We’re very happy to help Santa out if it means more smiles on children’s faces and more happy family memories.” Santa Parades in south Auckland November 30: Manurewa, Main St (10am) / Pukekohe Christmas on the Green, Navigation Homes Stadium (5pm) December 4: Papatoetoe, Dunnotar Rd (7pm) December 5: Mangere Market Santa Parade, Coronation Rd (4pm) December 8: Papakura, Bruce Pulman Park (11am)