If he doesn't want to move to pursue a pro career then he doesn't want to pursue a pro career, it won't be any different if there's an Auckland team.
Howieson? Not so sure about that. It's wanting to live in Auckland that seems the issue. He probably already trains 3-4 nights/days per week with 'amateur' ACFC. And basically almost year round give their involvement getting prepared for the CWC.
Might not be much more of a commitment playing for a pro Auckland ALM side. And lets say Howieson was on the AWs fringes, and Pragnell gets his wish of a new ALM team being launched in 2025/26. Of course CH would be tempted to sign if it increased his chances of going to a 2026 WC.