About East Auckland Tourism
East Auckland Tourism is an organisation setup and supported by Howick Local Board & Tataki Auckland Unlimited (formerly ATEED) to promote and guide tourism to our East Auckland suburbs.
East Auckland has a rich colonial history, stunning beaches, is home to a great café culture and a wide range of restaurants plus some unique business and shopping options. Locals are very proud of their community. We are excited about lifting the profile of the East Auckland Region by showcasing it to a wider audience and making information easy to find.
THE 2023/2024 TEAM
Chairperson: Andrew Laing
Auckland born and lived in Howick since 1992 I am passionate about our region and spend many hours in our amazing outdoor spaces. I have a sense of community and am a member of various local organizations.
With the arrival of Covid19 I saw some new opportunities and am owner operator of Howick Deliveries which makes shopping easy in East Auckland in this click and collect world. I am also involved with a vegan cheese business whose award winning products are available at local health food stores and some supermarkets.
I have a travel and tourism background and worked in Howick for many years. I am owner of Travel by Nature which offers tailor made tours specialising in outdoor experiences. I work closely with a local boat charter business that aims to develop into a significant local tourism player on our amazing Hauraki Gulf.
I am excited about the unique opportunities East Auckland presents and look forward to overseas visitors returning to our shores, and to welcoming them to some of Auckland’s best kept secrets.
Treasurer : Jono Frankle (picture coming soon)
A local entrepreneur in the property sector as well as a wellknown personality in tennis coaching circles Jono joined us part way through the 2023 year following Damian Light's election to the Howick Local Board. Jono bring a wealth of marketing expertise to our Team and we are thrilled to have him on board.
I have been a very happy resident of East Auckland for 18 years.
East Auckland is an amazing place to live and explore, and I look forward to visitors enjoying our region again and again. Great to bring people our way to enjoy this stunning region.
Pre Covid I owned and operated Happy NZ Tours since 2007. Unfortunately with the Pandemic I had to reinvented myself, and move back into computer programming sector.
I love meeting people and exploring places. My enthusiasm for tourism blends corporate professionalism, local knowledge and personal touch to create lasting memories for visitors and guests. Always a pleasure to serve people and communities. Even though I am no longer in the tourism sector I am happy to offer my services and support to East Auckland Tourism for as long as I am useful.
Board Member : Ashley Grogan (picture coming soon)
A Beachlands resident Ashley works at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga and with Arts out East bringing amazing artistic talent to the fore and encompassing fantastic initiatives for East Auckland and the Howick Ward.
Board Member : Sarah Blong
A Whitford resident for 10 years, having grown up in Pakuranga, Gisborne and Bucklands Beach, I am passionate about our East Auckland Region and its potential. My first job was as a travel agent and then I joined the Hyatt in reservations, so hospitality is in my blood. I followed a teaching career for many years, and have enjoyed living in this wonderful area, and being involved with the local community.
Our family business, Paradice Entertainment, provides local entertainment at Botany with our ice rink and other activities, and has been in existence since the early 70s. Our family is heavily invested in the region and in tourism.
I see East Auckland as a destination of choice in its own right, with the opportunity for businesses, both hospitality and others, to thrive. With the size and quality of East Auckland events becoming bigger and better, there is good reason for visitors to enjoy our region right through the year.
I look forward to our borders opening soon, our unique and beautiful region being discovered and enjoyed, and our local economy thriving as a result.
Board Member : Cathy Cowin (picture coming soon)
Manager of the fantastic Clevedon Creatves & Co shop showcasing the works of local artists, Cathy is kept busy with her own artistic works as well as running an indepedant company. She brings a host of knowledge about the Clevedon area and we are very pleased to have her on our team.
Team Co-ordinator : Deirdre Frankle
Deirdre will be looking to take over from Annette as the Team Co-ordinator in the long term. A local resident for over two decades she is keen to learn more about the region and how our organisation can be influential in growing visitor numbers and enhancing the local economy.
I have been Team Co-ordinator for over 5 years and looking to share my knowledge and contacts with Deirdre for the benefit of the region
EAST AUCKLAND TOURISM BACKGROUND
