Happy new year! I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer break and that you’re feeling refreshed and ready to tackle 2022. I spent my break with my wonderful family, including my four gorgeous grandchildren, relaxing, laughing and creating some special holiday memories.
The summer isn’t over just yet though, and I hope you’ll have a chance to make the most of some of the fantastic events taking place in our area over the next few weeks.
The ever-popular Waterworld floating waterpark will be at Mission Bay from this Wednesday until Monday 24 January. If you saw it at St Heliers but didn’t get to try it, you might want to get in quick because they are operating at reduced capacity and sell out fast.
Opera in the Park is taking place at Glover Park on Saturday 29 January, 6-8pm. This event moved from Dingle Dell due to capacity issues and now there is plenty of space to enjoy this musical showcase. NZ Opera has curated some of the best-loved pieces from opera and musicals for this very popular event, featuring Bryony Williams, Catrin Johansson, James Harrison, Tayla Alexander and Sid Chand. Admission is free! Pack a picnic and a blanket and find a great place to sit back and listen to some of our finest up and coming opera talent.
The Mission Bay Craft Market is on again at Selwyn Reserve this Auckland Anniversary Day, 31 January. It’s been running for 23 years, and never disappoints. There are around 200 stalls, selling a variety of art, crafts and gourmet food products. Definitely worth stopping by.
On 27 January, The Creative Kids Collective (supported by our Orakei Local Board) are putting on a Giant Mud Pie Extravaganza at Crossfield Reserve. It’s a free event, perfect for kids between 3 and 12 years.
There’s plenty on for Anniversary weekend in the city centre, too. There’s the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and SeePort Festival at the waterfront, the Auckland International Buskers Festival, and Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square programme kicks off with Jazz Weekend at Aotea Square.
After a last-minute cancellation in 2021 due to Covid, Round the Bays is celebrating 50 years this year and is taking place on Sunday 6 March. It’s always a great event, and you can still get ‘early bird’ rates until 20 January.
As wonderful as it has been to have some freedom this summer, the risk of Covid has not gone away. Omicron is at our doorstep, and it’s important that we are all as well-protected as possible when it inevitably makes its way into our communities. You are eligible for a booster 4 months after your second dose, and as of this week kids aged 5-11 can get their first dose of the paediatric formulation of the vaccine. Now is a great time to get it done before they head back to school. Many of our local medical centres and pharmacies are offering the vaccine, and there are plenty of slots available. You can book online at https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz and walk-ins are available at some locations.
2022 is certainly going to be a busy year at Council. I’m really keen to hear your views on what is being proposed for our Annual Budget 2022/23 when we go out for consultation in mid-February. We also have some big decisions to make in response to several major central government reforms, but more on that later.
For now, keep making the most of what Auckland has to offer this summer, support local, and keep safe.
Desley