Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

At its most recent meeting, the Policy and Planning Committee endorsed the latest two Shoreline Adaptation Plans – Pahurehure Inlet and Manukau Harbour East. Collectively, these plans cover the coast from Karaka Point in the south to Onehunga.

Shoreline Adaptation Plans are living plans that focus on how we manage Auckland Council-owned coastal land and assets. This includes reserves, public facilities, transport and water infrastructure, as well as any associated coastal defence structures like seawalls.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee welcomes these Shoreline Adaptation Plans and emphasises their importance as a strategic guide.

“We’ve seen the impacts of climate change on our coastlines, public assets and our coastal communities have directly experienced the effects. This is about working with mana whenua and Aucklanders to plan for the future of our shorelines,” says Cr Hills.

“It’s great to see more and more of these plans adopted and encouraging to see the level of involvement from the community as we have these important conversations.”

What is included in these plans?

Our Shoreline Adaptation Plans recommend one of four adaptation strategies for each stretch of shoreline and can apply a mix of these strategies. These are:

Hold the line

• The coastal edge is fixed at a certain location.
• Defence of the coastal edge may be through nature-based options (like beach nourishment) or engineered hard structures (like sea walls).

Limited intervention

• Generally focussed on maintaining and making the area safe.
• The coastal edge does not need to be fixed and can be altered.

No active intervention

• Natural processes are allowed to continue.
• No investment into coastal hazard protection or flood protection and reserved for coastlines that are not exposed or vulnerable to coastal hazards.

Managed retreat

• Assets and the way the land is used are relocated or realigned to reduce risk.
• Any relocation is planned and undertaken over time.
• Managed retreat does not signal abandonment of ‘at risk’ areas – it is about identifying a process to reconfigure council assets to accommodate natural coastal processes and build a more resilient shoreline.

Strategies are recommended over short-term (now to 20 years) medium-term (20 to 60 years) and long-term (60 to 100+ years) timeframes reflective of projected sea level rise over the coming decades of 0.5 to 1m. This long-term view of our changing coastal areas is a first step in adaptive planning and lays a foundation for consistent coastal management.

Paul Klinac, Auckland Council General Manager, Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory explains that these high-level strategies provide guidance on how council-owned coastal land and assets can be adapted over time to sustainably manage the escalating impacts of coastal hazards and climate change.

“The development of shoreline adaptation plans across the region is funded through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 as part of the climate action investment package,” says Mr Klinac.

“Shoreline Adaptation Plans – like the ones for the Pahurehure Inlet and Manukau Harbour East – will help guide us in future decision-making around these public assets. This could be reserve management, operational maintenance and renewal of coastal structures or initiation of new capital works projects. This will be alongside ongoing monitoring of council-owned coastal assets and the surrounding coastal environment.”

Pahurehure Inlet Shoreline Adaptation Plan

The Pahurehure Inlet Shoreline Adaptation Plan includes the area of the coastline from the Puhinui Creek in the north up to Karaka Point south. This coastline covers the Manurewa, Papakura and Franklin local board areas.

It recommends limited and no active intervention for many areas of the Pahurehure Inlet shoreline over the next 100 years.

It also suggests a ‘hold the line’ approach for specific areas, including Karaka Harbourside, Conifer Grove and Keith Park, due to an increased risk from coastal inundation over time. This is to maintain existing infrastructure and highly valued coastal connections from coastal erosion.

Lastly, it states a ‘managed retreat’ approach to support proactive adaptation planning in the mid to long-term for Waikirihinau / Bottle Top Bay, Youngs Point and in the Drury Creek area should be adopted. This is as the increasing risk from coastal hazards will impact the long-term use of the land in these areas.

Manukau Harbour East Shoreline Adaptation Plan

The Manukau Harbour East Shoreline Adaptation Plan includes the area of the coastline from the Puhinui Creek in the south to Taumanu Reserve in the north. This coastline includes the Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board areas.

It states that limited intervention is the best approach for many areas of this shoreline over the next 100 years and continuing to maintain existing coastal management practices.

It also recommends a ‘hold the line’ approach for specific areas due to the highly modified shoreline and the location of significant (council-owned) infrastructure like the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This also reflects iwi values and aspirations and the importance of ensuring we are managing past land use decisions and asset owner requirements alongside community values and uses.

Managed retreat (in the longer-term) is identified where space is constrained and there will be a need to ensure that valued community activities avoid hazard areas to remain safe and functional.

Get involved

The remaining shoreline adaptation plans are continuing to be developed and will be completed in 2025. Plans will continue to be presented to the Policy and Planning Committee for approval.

Tell us what you think over the course of 2024 and for some areas, we’re also asking for your feedback on our draft adaptation strategies – head to akhaveyoursay.nz to see what plans are currently open for feedback.

You can also help by joining the conversation and telling us what you value about your local coastline today by visiting our regional interactive map – drop pins to leave comments on coastal areas not yet open. 

Source: Auckland Council

Guy Fawkes is just around the corner and with fireworks going on sale in Tamāki Makaurau, here’s a reminder on the rules and tips, so you, your friends and whānau can enjoy fireworks safely.  

Aotearoa New Zealand has strict rules around the purchase and sale of fireworks. They’re sold for four days leading up to and including Guy Fawkes (2 to 5 November 2024). Not just anyone can buy fireworks – you must be 18 years old and have a valid ID.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Community Safety Committee urges people letting off fireworks to be mindful of others.

“Some Aucklanders enjoy the Guy Fawkes season, but for others it can be an unsettling and worrying time.

“Fireworks can be enjoyed on private property in Tamāki Makaurau, but please be aware that others, including your neighbours may not enjoy the sound and sight of them and pets can also be distressed by them.”

“By all means enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner, but please be respectful to others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”

“Auckland Council has long held the view that central Government should ban the private sale of fireworks, and has taken

opportunities in the past to present this view.”

Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says Aucklanders should give some thought to where they let off fireworks.

“I hope people have a safe and enjoyable time letting off fireworks on their own property.”

“Please be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across Auckland is not allowed.”

Muriwai beach access

Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach will be closed to vehicles during the Guy Fawkes period this year, from 2 to 11 November, to mitigate fire risk in the area.

Enjoying fireworks safely and responsibly

• Fireworks can only be let off on private property. 

• It is not legal to light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as parks and beaches, across the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau.

• Lighting fireworks is also prohibited in forests, conservation areas and on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

• The Tūpuna Maunga Authority will close public access to 14 maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau from Saturday 2 November 2024 to Tuesday 5 November 2024 to protect them from fires. This is the sixth year in a row the Authority has closed our maunga.

• Make sure yourself and others stand well back from fireworks once they are lit.

• Inform your neighbours if possible and avoid using fireworks after 10pm.

• Have water or a fire extinguisher handy.

• Read and follow fireworks handling instructions carefully.

• Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.

• Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.

• Always have a responsible adult present.

• Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.

• On rural private land during Guy Fawkes (2-5 November) bonfires are allowed but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall. During a Restricted Fire Season a permit is need from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

• Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away. They must be secured.

• Don’t store fireworks after Guy Fawkes as it’s hard to know if they’ll be safe to use at a later date.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises visiting its website for restrictions and fire safety advice. 

Looking out for pets during Guy Fawkes

Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council Animal Management Manager says people should be extra mindful of their pets during the days leading up to Guy Fawkes and the day itself.

“Pets can be extremely sensitive to the sounds and light produced by fireworks. They can react negatively and become distressed.”

“Organise a safe place inside for your pets and pay extra care to them during this time.

“Please ensure your pets are safe and well confined if you aren’t at home with them during the Guy Fawkes period.”

Ms Waitoa also says the time around Guy Fawkes usually sees an increase in the number of dogs entering council animal shelters.

“Make sure your dog is registered and microchipped. This will make it easier for you to be reunited with your dog if it gets lost.”

Source: Auckland Council

Earlier this year, Auckland Council requested an Order in Council from the government to enable faster delivery of two critical flood resilience projects in Māngere that will reduce future risk for the community.

This Order in Council has now been approved by Cabinet, as announced by the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, effective as of 25 October 2024.

Mayor Wayne Brown thanked Cabinet for prioritising the council’s request to expedite works that will protect the Māngere community, which would otherwise be vulnerable in future major flooding events.

“Now we can cut out red tape that would have slowed down much-needed work to improve physical resilience in Māngere,” says Mayor Brown.

“The money to do the work is sitting there as part of our Long-term Plan and we are good to go – this decision means we can get on with actually making Māngere safer and avoid the type of damage we saw last time round.

“There are 350 homes in Māngere that are to flood in the event of a future flood. This will help protect not only those homes but others in downstream catchments, so it’s very welcome news.”

Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli welcome the Order in Council and these necessary works.

“Māngere was one of the hardest hit areas following the severe weather in early 2023 and these works will increase flood resilience for the wider community and reduce the flood risk for hundreds of properties,” says Cr Filipaina.

“Some of these homes are classed as having an intolerable risk to life and it is vital that this work is completed. It’s great to see the council working with central government to deliver these projects quickly for our Māngere community,” says Cr Fuli.

Tauanu’u Nanai Nick Bakulich, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chairperson is glad to see the Order in Council take effect on 25 October.

“It’s encouraging to see our community – local groups, mana whenua, leaders, homeowners, renters, families, and community providers – engaged in this process. As residents who understand the challenges we face, we are committed to being involved and supporting these efforts. Our focus is on creating a safer and more flood-resilient community,” says Chairperson Bakulich.

The Order in Council will apply to the two projects proposed in Te Ararata Creek and Harania Creek in Māngere, and only the council would be able to use it to apply for consents.

It would take effect from late October 2024 and while it expires on 31 March 2028, the works are likely to be completed earlier than this. 

Working with the community

Auckland Council remains committed to keeping the Māngere community engaged and informed about the vital flood resilience projects in the Harania and Te Ararata catchment areas. These projects are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to build sustainable and resilient communities while addressing the growing challenges of a disrupted climate.  

As part of this commitment, we are working closely with the Community Working Group (CWG), which includes representatives from mana whenua, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, and key community organisations such as the Te Ararata Stream Team, I Am Māngere, Māngere Town Centre, faith, family and youth groups.

The CWG plays a critical role in ensuring the voices of local communities are heard and integrated into the project’s development and delivery. Their priorities include: 

• Identifying and strengthening cultural, social, and environmental outcomes that resonate with the local community.

• Collaborating with Auckland Council to ensure these priorities are embedded into the project’s planning and execution.

• Facilitating open, ongoing communication between the project team and the wider community to promote transparency and trust.

• Providing local knowledge that enhances the success of each project, ensuring long-term benefits for the area.

Next steps

These flood resilience projects will mitigate future risks and deliver co-benefits such as improved green spaces, enhanced biodiversity, and continue to build on the strong community connections. 

You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Source: Auckland Council

The first section of a redesigned Victoria Street – from Elliott Street to Queen Street – has opened to the public. It’s lighter and leafier. It feels more sociable. It functions with contemporary purpose, signposting more of what’s to come. 

The milestone is another step closer to a completed station neighbourhood. Auckland Council’s midtown regeneration programme is ensuring the area will be ready for the City Rail Link (CRL) and Te Waihorotiu Station becoming operational in 2026.

The new rail network will bring thousands more people into these streets and spaces, using more transport modes than were previously available. People will arrive by rail, bus, active modes (walking or on scooters and bikes) and by car or delivery vehicle.

This shift in functionality and lift in anticipated numbers underpin the need for the repurposing and redesign of streets and spaces, improving the workings of a contemporary city.

Fresh form and function

On both sides of the street, heritage kerb stones sit next to new paving. The flowing water patterning etched into basalt pavers on the southside of the street is by artists Chris Bailey and Sally Smith – hinting at a magnificent artwork coming to the Queen Street corner in mid-2025.

By that time, the Lorne Street to Albert Park section of Victoria Street will be open and CRL’s streetscape surrounding the station portal in Victoria Street will also be finished.

The mid-section of Victoria Street from Queen Street to Lorne Street will open in 2026, once Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are delivered. Read more about this work here and Auckland Council’s recent update here.

Te Hā Noa emerges

Victoria Street is starting to live and breathe the meaning of its new name, Te Hā Noa. The name Te Hā Noa was gifted by mana whenua, encouraging people to take a breath and enjoy the experience of the sights and sounds around them.

Mana whenua also guided the terracing design of the stone tree pits, referencing the volcanic geology and forms of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Some of the tree pits also serve a sustainable purpose in the city’s stormwater drainage system. Surface rainwater from the road and paved surfaces is dispersed into the tree pits, where it irrigates the trees and filters the water before it flows to the sea.

Uplighting the trees

When people come to enjoy Christmas lights in city centre squares and Queen Street this festive season, they will also see the uplighting of trees, widened footpaths, and spaces with new seating for visitors to sit and pause in this finished section of Victoria Street.

Visitors might also witness the first flowering of pōhutukawa which were among the native trees crane-lifted into the street in September. Pūriri, taraire and tītoki are the other varieties planted, with 900 plants further greening new gardens at street level. Read more here.

In time, Te Hā Noa will form a green link across the city, linking two much-loved city parks – Rangipuke / Albert Park and Waikōkota / Victoria Park.

Policy and Planning Committee Chair Councillor Richard Hills says people have already been commenting on the new mature trees and gardens in the street, with places to sit and enjoy the city centre.

“The opening of the first section of Te Hā Noa has allowed people to start experiencing the refreshed atmosphere and functionality of the redesigned Victoria Street, which is truly exciting.

“I’m looking forward to our new streets and spaces, an underground rail network, better bus routes, billions of dollars of private sector investment in the area, and a thriving arts quarter, bordered by three beautiful city parks – Myers, Albert and Victoria.

“Summer is going to be a wonderful time for people to experience these upgrades, including widened footpaths to stroll on and take in the new trees, which provide shade in the day and light up at night,” Councillor Hills says.

Complementary streets

Victoria Street is one of three east-west streets in the Te Waihorotiu Station neighbourhood undergoing a major transformation to create a new gateway for the city centre.

Before the regeneration of midtown, Victoria Street, Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive were dense traffic routes carrying more than four lanes of cars, trucks and buses, with cyclists hugging the edges, pedestrians vying with scooters along narrow footpaths and a noisy environment for businesses.

In the regeneration, Wellesley Street will become an important central city bus interchange, and the upgraded Victoria Street will make connecting between walking, cycling, high frequency bus routes, and the train station easier and safer.

Jenny Larking, Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes is proud of the station neighbourhood her team and the wider Auckland Council group are delivering in midtown.

“We recognise that beautiful public spaces encourage social interaction, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. These spaces become the stages where city life unfolds, memories are made, and a city’s identity is forged.

“We are creating streets and spaces that are authentic, safe, sustainable and reflective of our place in the world, with mana whenua-led expression woven throughout, while continuing to support the operations of a busy city centre,” she said.

Some midtown upgrades are already complete including Queen Street, upper Federal Street and Myers Park. Learn more about the midtown regeneration here.

Read more about the private sector’s confidence in the area here and the wider city centre’s transformation here.

Photo credit: Jay Farnworth.

Source: Auckland Council

How do you think the natural environment of Tāmaki Makaurau should be protected?

The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open now until 8 December 2024 and Auckland Council is inviting Aucklanders to provide feedback.

Have your say on how the region should protect its natural environment and primary production over the next decade from invasive species and new threats.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping this 10-year plan and encourages everyone to give their feedback for this early consultation.

“Our regional parks, beaches, and open spaces are part of what makes Tāmaki Makaurau unique – there’s no place in the world like it,” says Cr Hills.

“The ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders’ value — like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.

“We cannot do this work alone – we work alongside the community, volunteers and conservation groups. So, we’re asking that you let us know what’s important to you and how we can continue to protect our environment for future generations.”

What will we be asking Aucklanders?

The current plan, which runs until 2030, is still in effect. However, with Auckland’s changing climate and the arrival of new exotic species, we need to start reviewing our current plan now, so the new plan is ready to take effect in 2030.

Before we begin drafting the new plan, we want to know your views about:

• Achieving pest-free islands and peninsulas in the Auckland region and contributing to a predator-free Aotearoa by 2050
• Managing exotic caulerpa seaweed and other harmful marine species
• Reducing the spread and impact of harmful freshwater species like freshwater gold clam
• Options for cat management to protect threatened native wildlife
• Addressing the impact of climate change on our natural environment.

“We all have a part to play in protecting our natural environment. Our own unique species such as kiwi, tūī and pōhutukawa are central to our identity and a key part of what makes Tāmaki Makaurau special,” says Dr Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services.

“It’s important that we continue to look after our natural environment to protect our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values and also maintain the economic wellbeing of our region by protecting our industries, like farming and tourism.

“Our current plan expires in 2030 and it’s important our updated plan reflects new threats to our natural environment, cultural values and industries – like myrtle rust and exotic caulerpa.”

Get involved

Have your say and let us know how we can work together and protect Auckland’s environment – the ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open from 25 October to 8 December 2024.

To have your say, you can:

Let’s protect our environment
Auckland Council
Free post 190198
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

Public feedback, along with input from mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will help shape the next 10-year plan. When the draft plan is ready in 2027, Aucklanders will again have the chance to provide feedback.

We’ll also be working with a representative sample of Aucklanders using a deliberative democracy process. Together, they will have the chance to deliberate and develop some recommendations to help increase our understanding of these complex topics. 

Altogether, we can protect our natural environment, Māori cultural values, primary industries, native wildlife, biodiversity – and achieve more than we could alone.

Source: Auckland Council

Epic views, great camping options at affordable prices, and taking in the outdoors in all its glory – sound like a dream?  Make it your reality at any one of Auckland’s 28 regional parks, boasting over 30 campgrounds between them! That’s right, an outdoor adventure is calling, and it’s here in Auckland’s backyard! 

The beauty of camping in Auckland is the accessibility – you don’t have to travel too far. Plus, with fees starting at $17 per night for adults and $6.50 for children at our main campgrounds, Auckland camping is an affordable way to holiday at some of our region’s most scenic locations. 

Whether you’re a freedom camper, a glamper or a total camping newbie – we’ve got you covered. Your next Auckland-based outdoor adventure awaits – so get booking now! 

I’m keen – where do I start? 

It’s easy as, all you have to do is choose your preferred spot from the list of regional parks on Auckland Council’s website. Are you looking for a coastal, farm or forest experience? Each campsite listing contains photos of the park, and you can click through to specific photos and information about the different types of camping available.

To make it even simpler, the camping booking site includes a calendar showing availability so you can instantly see dates to choose from. You’ll also find a handy park brochure with a map, information about tracks, interesting features in the area, and important alerts. For most campgrounds you can drive right up to your selected camping area, so you don’t have to lug your gear long distances. However, be aware some campgrounds take a bit more effort to reach, such as the Mita Bay campground at Mahurangi Regional Park (West), which is accessible by foot, and the campground at Waitawa Regional Park, which can only be accessed by sea kayak. Remember to check the access prior to booking to understand the location of the campground. 

Be an early bird and book ahead 

All our regional parks are precious taonga, each with their own unique features, but over the summer some are busier than others and get booked out quickly. Fortunately, regional park campsites can be booked up to six months in advance, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone and book your spot as soon as you can so you don’t miss out!

The booking calendar for each campground also shows how many spaces are available, which is handy if you’re planning on camping with a larger group (note there are some group size limits over the summer). And you can book up to seven glorious nights. If your plans change, no worries! You can make unlimited amendments to your booking, or cancel (with a full refund), up to two days before the date of your arrival. 

Before you leave home 

When you book your stay at a regional park campground, you’ll be emailed instructions including a combination code to get through the gate into the campground. Make sure you note it down on your phone or on a piece of paper before you leave in case mobile reception is patchy at your destination. 

Make sure you note down the combination code of your campground before leaving home

The main access gates for regional parks are locked overnight (daylight saving hours are generally 6am-9pm, and 6am-7pm for the rest of the year), so if you’re arriving in the evening, be sure to take note of the closing hours so you don’t end up carting your gear to the campground by foot. When staying, remember if you need to pop out for supplies, the access code will not open the main park gate. 

Choose your camping experience – from rugged to glamping 

If you’re up for a truly outdoors camping experience, many of Auckland’s regional parks supply only the bare basics – including the classic kiwi long drop! Be sure to read up on the facilities available at specific campgrounds, so you can choose the camping style that best suits your needs.  

All campgrounds have drinkable water available (although sometimes you will need to boil it first), but many of the campsites at regional parks don’t have flushable toilets or shower blocks. These rugged campgrounds are a lot more spacious and less populated than commercial campgrounds, offering a truly remote outdoors experience. If that’s a step too far though for you or your fellow camping newbies, Shakespear Regional Park has flushable toilets and two cold showers onsite. 

If camping in comfort is more your thing, many of the vehicle-based campgrounds allow campervan and caravans as well but check the rules before booking. Or bypass the regional park entirely and stay in a fully furnished glamping tent at either Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Whangateau Holiday Park or Martins Bay Holiday Park.

Do your research on the park so you pack the right gear

Make sure you read up on prime leisure activities at your location. For example, if you’re heading to a great surf beach like Omaha Beach, the kids will want boogie boards for catching waves and riding down the campground’s famous hill, and you’ll all want beach shoes for rock pooling.

While it is possible to fish at some regional parks, it’s strictly prohibited at parks that are also marine reserves. Some parks have access to extensive walking and mountain-bike tracks, golf and disc golf courses and did we mention the birdlife? Also, don’t forget your book from Auckland Libraries for some relaxing reading in the sun. 

Be a tidy Kiwi 

When you arrive at your site, be sure to follow the rules. Stay off sign-posted wahi tapu areas (sites which are sacred to Māori), and steer clear of restricted conservation areas where birds may be nesting. 

Remember that lighting open fires is prohibited across all public areas in the Auckland region, and that noise must be kept to a minimum in regional parks after 9pm. 

Also please dispose of all your rubbish correctly in the designated bins if available or take your rubbish home with you. 

So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure awaits! 

Source: Auckland Council

Waiheke is about to have a plan in place for the future management of the popular Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park.

The Waiheke Local Board approved the adoption of the long-awaited draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 at a meeting on 10 October 2024.

As well as being Waiheke’s largest centre for sport and recreational facilities, the park includes important ecological waterways and wetlands. 

The park and its surrounding landscape have always been a significant cultural site for mana whenua known as Te Rangihoua that includes the maunga (mountain) pā site Te Pūtiki o Kahumatamomoe, and the Rangihoua awa (stream) and their histories and aspirations are captured in the new plan.

The plan, which has been in development since 2018, has been informed by extensive research and engagement with mana whenua, the local community and key stakeholders to provide a framework for “managing the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, preservation and, to the extent that resources permit and as appropriate, the development of part of” the 60-hectare park situated southeast of Waiheke’s Ostend suburb. 

“It’s been a long road to get to this point, but we are really pleased to have this plan in place to make sure this important area of Waiheke will be managed well for future generations. Huge thanks to the many stakeholders involved whose perseverance and amazing mahi helped create this plan,” says Local Board Chair Cath Handley

The board is now developing a programme to allocate funds to initiatives in the plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

You can read the draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 here.

Stay up to date

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up for the Waiheke Local Board E-News and get the latest direct to your inbox each month.

Source: Auckland Council

Wonky cherries transformed into cola, discarded fishing nets repurposed into kitchen panels, a waste waka cleaning the streets, and community composting efforts were all celebrated at the 2024 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards.

The awards night, held on Thursday 24 October, honoured outstanding contributions to zero waste initiatives from people right across Auckland. Among the guests were the 170 individuals, groups, schools, marae, businesses, and social enterprises that were nominated for their dedication to reducing waste and championing sustainability across the region.

“We celebrate the work and success of Zero Waste Award winners and nominees in reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. We had a record number of nominations this year which is testament to the ingenuity and aspirations of every Aucklander working in this space. Auckland Council congratulates the winners and thanks everyone who is striving for a Zero-Waste future,” says Parul Sood, Deputy Director Resilience and Infrastructure at Auckland Council.

Judges Charmaine Bailie (Uru Whakaaro), Ngarimu Blair (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), Parul Sood (Auckland Council) and Carla Gee (EcoMatters) selected winners as well as highly commending several other entries in each of the six categories.

Rangatahi Leadership Award – Rangatahi, rangawhenua, rangatangata

The winner is Pacific Vision Aotearoa’s Food Hub Gang. The self-named trio of young volunteers – Nazihah Buksh, Ayla Brockes, and Alena Lui – collects food scraps from New World supermarket to create compost at the Papatoetoe Food Hub. Despite their busy schedules, they contribute weekly with dedication, diverting 1.5 tonnes of waste from landfills. Each member has a unique role, with their efforts supporting community gardens and highlighting the importance of reducing waste.

Growing the Movement Award – Whakakanohi i te kaupapa para kore

The winner is Brigitte Sistig, co-founder of Repair Cafe Aotearoa NZ and a key figure since 2013. She launched the Repair Café in 2016 with Auckland Council funding, delivering 18 events with 12 community partners across Tāmaki Makaurau. Now largely volunteering, she helps manage 22 regular Repair Cafes in Auckland, at both permanent and pop-up locations, with the first Repair Festival having taken place in September 2024. Brigitte also leads the Right to Repair Aotearoa Coalition, advocating for the Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill Campaign.

Community Collaboration Award – Hā ora, Hāpori

The winner is Junk2Go, a rubbish collection business in Avondale that focuses on diverting usable items to people in need instead of sending them to landfill. Collected items like furniture, clothing, appliances, and e-waste are sorted and donated through the “Junk2Go turning Junk2Good” initiative. Nothing is sold. Their depot opens weekly to charity partners, allowing them and the families they support to freely take what they need, helping to turn houses into homes.

Cultural Connection Award – Whīria te ahurea, whīria te kaitīakitanga

The winner is PlanetFM, a not-for-profit community radio station, that amplifies the voices of Tāmaki Makaurau’s minority and special interest groups. It has supported the zero waste campaign by broadcasting programmes and ads in multiple languages, including Arabic, Nepali, and Tamil, to reach ethnically diverse communities. Volunteers were trained to promote zero waste and used their networks to extend the campaign’s impact, delivering messages in culturally relevant ways through trusted community leaders.

Innovation Award – Anga whakamua

The winner is Clevaco. Clevaco created New Zealand’s first circular building foundation with its CLEVA POD® system, made from 100% recycled plastic. This system replaces polystyrene pods and can be fully recovered during demolition, avoiding landfill waste. CLEVA POD® offers the building industry an easy, sustainable alternative. Clevaco partners with companies committed to environmental practices, helping them adopt circular construction and sustainable building methods.

Community Engagement – Food Scraps Service Rollout – Rukenga kai

The joint winners are A Fool’s Company and the EcoMatters Food Scraps team.

A Fool’s Company helped roll out the food scraps service with an interactive theatre show for primary schools in Tāmaki Makaurau. “Freddie’s Food Scraps Quest: A Rukenga Kai Story” is a 45-minute performance combining storytelling, comedy, music, and audience participation. Teaching children the importance of rukenga kai, 75 shows have reached over 11,000 children and 500 adults since August 2023. The success has led to renewed funding, allowing free performances across the region and expansion into recycling education.

The EcoMatters Food Scraps team received six individual nominations. They spent 10 months educating Tāmaki Makaurau residents on using the rukenga kai service. A team of 25 canvassers held over 35,000 conversations across 98 areas, putting in 3000 hours. They engaged the public at community events, door-knocking, and even beside sports fields.

This year’s awards were organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust, in partnership with Auckland Council, as part of its aspirational goal for Tāmaki Makaurau to be zero waste by 2040.

Source: Auckland Council

Epic views, great camping options at affordable prices, and taking in the outdoors in all its glory – sound like a dream?  Make it your reality at any one of Auckland’s 28 regional parks, boasting over 30 campgrounds between them! That’s right, an outdoor adventure is calling, and it’s here in Auckland’s backyard! 

The beauty of camping in Auckland is the accessibility – you don’t have to travel too far. Plus, with fees starting at $17 per night for adults and $6.50 for children at our main campgrounds, Auckland camping is an affordable way to holiday at some of our region’s most scenic locations. 

Whether you’re a freedom camper, a glamper or a total camping newbie – we’ve got you covered. Your next Auckland-based outdoor adventure awaits – so get booking now! 

I’m keen – where do I start? 

It’s easy as, all you have to do is choose your preferred spot from the list of regional parks on Auckland Council’s website. Are you looking for a coastal, farm or forest experience? Each campsite listing contains photos of the park, and you can click through to specific photos and information about the different types of camping available.

To make it even simpler, the camping booking site includes a calendar showing availability so you can instantly see dates to choose from. You’ll also find a handy park brochure with a map, information about tracks, interesting features in the area, and important alerts. For most campgrounds you can drive right up to your selected camping area, so you don’t have to lug your gear long distances. However, be aware some campgrounds take a bit more effort to reach, such as the Mita Bay campground at Mahurangi Regional Park (West), which is accessible by foot, and the campground at Waitawa Regional Park, which can only be accessed by sea kayak. Remember to check the access prior to booking to understand the location of the campground. 

Be an early bird and book ahead 

All our regional parks are precious taonga, each with their own unique features, but over the summer some are busier than others and get booked out quickly. Fortunately, regional park campsites can be booked up to six months in advance, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone and book your spot as soon as you can so you don’t miss out!

The booking calendar for each campground also shows how many spaces are available, which is handy if you’re planning on camping with a larger group (note there are some group size limits over the summer). And you can book up to seven glorious nights. If your plans change, no worries! You can make unlimited amendments to your booking, or cancel (with a full refund), up to two days before the date of your arrival. 

Before you leave home 

When you book your stay at a regional park campground, you’ll be emailed instructions including a combination code to get through the gate into the campground. Make sure you note it down on your phone or on a piece of paper before you leave in case mobile reception is patchy at your destination. 

Make sure you note down the combination code of your campground before leaving home

The main access gates for regional parks are locked overnight (daylight saving hours are generally 6am-9pm, and 6am-7pm for the rest of the year), so if you’re arriving in the evening, be sure to take note of the closing hours so you don’t end up carting your gear to the campground by foot. When staying, remember if you need to pop out for supplies, the access code will not open the main park gate. 

Choose your camping experience – from rugged to glamping 

If you’re up for a truly outdoors camping experience, many of Auckland’s regional parks supply only the bare basics – including the classic kiwi long drop! Be sure to read up on the facilities available at specific campgrounds, so you can choose the camping style that best suits your needs.  

All campgrounds have drinkable water available (although sometimes you will need to boil it first), but many of the campsites at regional parks don’t have flushable toilets or shower blocks. These rugged campgrounds are a lot more spacious and less populated than commercial campgrounds, offering a truly remote outdoors experience. If that’s a step too far though for you or your fellow camping newbies, Shakespear Regional Park has flushable toilets and two cold showers onsite. 

If camping in comfort is more your thing, many of the vehicle-based campgrounds allow campervan and caravans as well but check the rules before booking. Or bypass the regional park entirely and stay in a fully furnished glamping tent at either Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Whangateau Holiday Park or Martins Bay Holiday Park.

Do your research on the park so you pack the right gear

Make sure you read up on prime leisure activities at your location. For example, if you’re heading to a great surf beach like Omaha Beach, the kids will want boogie boards for catching waves and riding down the campground’s famous hill, and you’ll all want beach shoes for rock pooling.

While it is possible to fish at some regional parks, it’s strictly prohibited at parks that are also marine reserves. Some parks have access to extensive walking and mountain-bike tracks, golf and disc golf courses and did we mention the birdlife? Also, don’t forget your book from Auckland Libraries for some relaxing reading in the sun. 

Be a tidy Kiwi 

When you arrive at your site, be sure to follow the rules. Stay off sign-posted wahi tapu areas (sites which are sacred to Māori), and steer clear of restricted conservation areas where birds may be nesting. 

Remember that lighting open fires is prohibited across all public areas in the Auckland region, and that noise must be kept to a minimum in regional parks after 9pm. 

Also please dispose of all your rubbish correctly in the designated bins if available or take your rubbish home with you. 

So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure awaits! 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is reminding off-road drivers that vehicle access to Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai beach will be restricted during Guy Fawkes this year.

Coast Road access to Muriwai beach, north of the Muriwai golf course, will remain closed from Saturday 2 November through to Monday 11 November.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, who chairs the Regulatory and Safety Committee, says the increased risk of fire during this time must be mitigated to protect Muriwai Regional Park and the surrounding environment.  

“There are serious concerns about the potential threat from fire associated with fireworks along isolated stretches of Muriwai’s 60-kilometre coastline. We will continue to manage that risk by limiting vehicle access during Guy Fawkes, as well as over the New Year,” Cr Bartley says.

Coast Road beach access will again close from 31 December until 13 January, with a possible extension if considered necessary by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Cr Bartley reminds all beachgoers that fireworks and fires are not permitted on any Auckland beaches, including along the foreshore.

Regional Park Manager Scott De Silva says the council’s first Guy Fawkes vehicle restriction at Muriwai last year resulted in significantly less stress and demand on Fire and Emergency services, with no fireworks related callouts to the area.

“We know that temporarily limiting access when there is a high fire risk reduces the potential for devastation to occur,” Mr De Silva says.

Signage will be installed this week along access roads to Muriwai and Coast Road to inform drivers of the upcoming gate closure and of vehicles barriers being put in place.

Since 2020, the council has closed Coast Road from late December to early January to limit vehicle movements on the beach, when there is also a high safety risk to people, the environment, and from fire.

Both closures were approved last October to continue through to 2026. Other safety requirements include all recreational off-road drivers to have a current registration, warrant of fitness and acquire a current annual permit for each vehicle in order to drive on Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches.

“As part of this process, we ask you to go over the road rules on beaches and the speed limit variations to ensure you drive appropriately at all times,” says Mr De Silva.

“Both of these wild West Coast landscapes are constantly changing. Driving along the beach requires drivers to apply additional skills and be aware of the potential hazards that can arise at any time,” he says.

Anyone who has concerns about unsafe or dangerous driving on beaches in the meantime should report this to police, by calling *555 or 105 for urgent but non-life threatening situations and 111 when life is at risk.