Alexis Poppelbaum - Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

Alexis Poppelbaum - Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

Lifelong local and passionate advocate for our community and environment.

Working with residents to protect what makes our area special and planning for a strong future.

➡️ www.alexisp.co.nz I have been on the local board since 2019 and am currently Chairperson. I live in Okura with my husband and two young girls and have a background in policy and communications, working for the likes of Pharmac, a brain research centre and local members of parliament. In my spare tim

e, I'm a Justice of the Peace and North Harbour Community Patroller. I’m proud to have achieved some great wins in my time on the local board including: getting funding earmarked for a recycling centre; instigating improvements to Council’s bylaw and legislative enforcement; lobbying Council to purchase the Long Bay farm houses for inclusion into the regional park; and ensuring the Glenvar Road project remains on schedule. I’m experienced in strategy and policy development and preparing multi-million dollar budgets. My expertise in evidence based decision-making ensures your rates contribute to projects and services that deliver. I am committed to enhancing the transparency of decision-making and engaging with residents. Other than being at community events and out and about talking to people about their issues/concerns and things that matter most to them, another way I keep the community informed is via monthly reports I post on my website www.alexisp.co.nz. Any opinions expressed here are those of my own and not of Auckland Council. Authorised by Alexis Poppelbaum [email protected]

🚨 FINAL HOUR! 🚨 Last chance to have your say on rockpools!MPI's consultation on proposed changes to intertidal recreatio...
12/06/2026

🚨 FINAL HOUR! 🚨 Last chance to have your say on rockpools!

MPI's consultation on proposed changes to intertidal recreational shellfish harvesting rules closes at 5pm!

If you've been thinking about making a submission, please don't assume others will do it for you. Decision-makers need to hear directly from the people who use and value our beaches, rocky shores, and coastal areas.

A submission doesn't need to be long or complicated. Even a sentence or two can make a difference. Pick the option right for you. Our local board supported option 3 and along with 13 other boards we helped ensure that Auckland Council's submission supported that too- it's the most restrictive option to support recovery and regeneration and make the rules really simple.

⏳ Consultation closes today at 5pm, 12 June.

Make your submission now before it's too late.

Easy fill out form: https://form.jotform.com/luellabartlett/mpi-auckland-coromandel-review

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

Good news for everyone who loves our stunning Mairangi Bay - Murrays Bay - Churchill Reserve coastal walkways🚶‍♀️🌊From n...
11/06/2026

Good news for everyone who loves our stunning Mairangi Bay - Murrays Bay - Churchill Reserve coastal walkways🚶‍♀️🌊

From next week, work will begin on a series of upgrades and renewals along sections of the clifftop walkways at Mairangi Bay, Crows Nest, Murrays Bay and Churchill Reserve.

The work will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption and includes:
✔️ Renewing sections of concrete path
✔️ Replacing damaged path where needed
✔️ Installing aggregate tracks in appropriate locations
✔️ New boxed steps
✔️ A new stair structure

These coastal paths are some of the most loved and well-used walking routes in our area, connecting communities while providing spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. Regular renewals like these help keep them safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

There may be some temporary disruption while the works are underway, but the staged approach will help keep as much of the network accessible as possible.

Thank you for your patience while these improvements are completed.

A positive update for those who have been asking about the future of the Okura Bush Track 🌲🌿🚶‍♀️I had a very happy meeti...
11/06/2026

A positive update for those who have been asking about the future of the Okura Bush Track 🌲🌿🚶‍♀️

I had a very happy meeting with the Department of Conservation today! They've advised that work is progressing to partially reopen the track from the southern end via Haigh Access Road. They are working alongside Treaty Partners, Ngāti Manuhiri and Te Kawerau ā Maki, as well as Friends of Okura Bush. The good news is that funding has been secured for this first stage of the project (the second stage being to eventually reroute some of the track past slips through to Dacre Cottage and Stillwater).

The stage one plan would see an approximately one-hour return walk reopened, stopping before the major slip areas (returning back via the same route). DOC is hoping to progress to tender later this year, with construction potentially completed sometime in 2027.

I know many people have missed access to this special piece of native bush, so it is great to see progress being made. There is still a long way to go and a number of unknowns ahead, but this is a step in the right direction and I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. 💚

🌊 Happy (belated) World Ocean Day! 🐚🌿Yesterday we celebrated World Ocean Day, and today felt like a fitting follow-up, w...
09/06/2026

🌊 Happy (belated) World Ocean Day! 🐚🌿

Yesterday we celebrated World Ocean Day, and today felt like a fitting follow-up, with Auckland Council's Policy, Planning and Development Committee (made up of all Councillors and the Mayor) making supporting a pathway that will have real impact for the health of our moana.

The committee was considering what would be the Auckland Council submission to Fisheries NZ on proposed new rules for recreational shellfish harvesting along the Auckland Coromandel coastline. Fisheries NZ has proposed 4 options in its consultation open at the moment (see below for links).

14 out of 21 local boards, including ours, provided extensive feedback recommending Option 3. And today, the committee listened and agreed with us.

So what is Option 3? It creates a full closure of the intertidal zone- the rocky reefs and rockpools from the mean high water mark out to 200 metres offshore to recreational shellfish harvesting. Outside that closed area, the daily limit for 'all other' shellfish drops significantly from 50 to 10. Option 4, by comparison would have allowed for some species exceptions in the intertidal zone and that's where we're already seeing problems in other areas. For example, on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, despite a temporary closure, people are hiding forbidden species under Kina which is allowed for. A blanket ban makes compliance much more straight forward for Fisheries Officers to enforce and for people to adhere to.

It's the more restrictive option. It's tough, but that's exactly the point. Our shellfish populations around Auckland have been under pressure for decades. A growing population, changing land use, and harvesting that has far outpaced what these ecosystems can sustain means that without meaningful intervention, these species will continue to decline. Option 3 gives shellfish the real chance to recover and regenerate, and ultimately supports the long-term health of our coastline.

Have you given feedback on this yet? Consultation closes Friday 12 June!
➡ read all about it: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-temporary-fishery-closures-in-the-hauraki-gulf-2026
📢online form to give feedback: https://form.jotform.com/luellabartlett/mpi-auckland-coromandel-review

What a fantastic turnout for the opening of the new Red Beach Pump Track on Saturday! 🚴‍♀️🛴🎉Desite the torrential downpo...
08/06/2026

What a fantastic turnout for the opening of the new Red Beach Pump Track on Saturday! 🚴‍♀️🛴🎉

Desite the torrential downpour at the start, it was awesome to see so many young people and families out giving the track a go, testing their skills and enjoying this fantastic new community facility.

We heard loud and clear that our community wanted more opportunities for wheeled play, and I'm thrilled to see that vision now become a reality. The pump track includes spaces for beginners, through to more confident riders.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring our vision to a reality- council staff, contractors (TrailPro), and all those who provided feedback along the way. Big thanks to Riders Ready Bike Club for managing the track and helping everyone on it. Thank you to all the young people, parents and teachers from Red Beach School who performed some fantastic waiata for us in the heavy rain!

I can't wait to see this space enjoyed for years to come. Whether you're on a bike, scooter, skateboard, or simply cheering from the sidelines, Red Beach Park has a fantastic new place for people of all ages to get active, build confidence, and have fun outdoors.

Watch this space as we deliver a slightly different one as part of a youth park development in Long Bay toward the end of 2026!

Have you had a ride yet? I'd love to hear what you think! 👇

Another playground renewal is about to get underway in Torbay! 🎉From 8 June, work will begin to renew the playground at ...
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!

Government invests $10 million to boost Auckland predator-free projectsToday's announcement of a $10 million Government ...
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

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

Address

Auckland Council, 6-8 Munro Lane, Albany
Browns Bay

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Alexis Poppelbaum - Hibiscus and Bays Local Board posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Alexis Poppelbaum - Hibiscus and Bays Local Board:

Shortcuts

Share