Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

An 11-month repair to four slip sites within a 3.7km stretch of Paremoremo Road on the North Shore is now complete.

The major slip damage was a result of the storm events in January and February 2023 and involved Fulton Hogan construction teams working sequentially to install three timber retaining walls collectively measuring 145m and a 52m concrete palisade wall.

Improved drainage facilities, footpaths and guardrails have been installed and reinstated ground areas hydroseeded.

Total four-slip repair cost: $5.26 million

More than 2000 slips were recorded across Auckland during the early 2023 storm events. 1200 slips were cleaned up quickly and by the end of October another 604 minor and major slips had been repaired.

Source: Auckland Council

A new leadership role on Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel seems a natural fit for young Papakura trailblazer Kritika Selach, aged 21.

She started her local governance journey on the Papakura Youth Council at just 14-years-old, working alongside the Papakura Local Board. She advocates for young people and works on ideas to help grow awareness among her peers of how local government works. 

After four years on the youth council, Kritika then ran for a seat on the Papakura Local Board in the 2022 elections, in her first year out of Rosehill College.

She wasn’t elected to the local board, but since then she’s advised the council on how to improve outcomes for youth on numerous projects as a member of the Youth Advisory Panel.

“As you can probably tell, I’m passionate about young people having a voice around the table,” Kritika says. “Being involved is the best way to ensure that priorities for us – like climate action, leadership roles and affordable housing – are heard and addressed when decisions are made.”

Councillor Julie Fairey, as chief liaison officer for the panel, says Kritika’s appointment as the panel’s new co-chair reflects her dedication to stand up and make a difference. 

“Our demographic panel members are amazing, and we are really lucky to have such thoughtful and connected Aucklanders giving us their advice through this mechanism.  Panel members manage their input around a range of commitments like work, study and family, and I particularly appreciate how they share leadership, including welcoming Kritika as a new co-chair for her peers,” Cr Fairey says.

For Kritika, her new co-chair role will require more time and focus, but she has already embraced the challenge.

“I’ve been lucky to serve on the Local Elections Working Group recently, helping to shape ideas that will encourage young people to vote in the 2025 elections. This has really allowed me to contribute from my own personal experience as a young person and on behalf of youth,” she says.

New Youth Advisory Panel co-chair Kritika Selach.

She says that complex local government processes can sometimes be daunting – but there are many ways to learn without getting overwhelmed, particularly coming up to elections.

Community events are a good opportunity to find out how to have your say, also local board meetings, or check if your local school or tertiary education provider has information sessions planned, she says. There is a lot of information online at Vote Auckland, and other platforms designed for young people to give feedback like Buzzly, she says.

“I’m keen to see what more we can do to get young people involved in decisions, as that will help to build a brighter city in the future,” Kritika says. “Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can really help make a difference.

On top of her panel role, Kritika is completing a Bachelor of Global Studies at university, alongside working at ASB. She is also an AA Auckland District Councillor, Member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Network, Board Member of the Papakura Youth Council Trust, a Member of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, and Planet Youth Papakura Governance Group Member.

“I am a pro-juggler, I wear many different hats in different spaces,” she says.

Former Youth Advisory Panel co-chair Vira Paky has stepped down to focus on a fulltime youth advocacy role at Save the Children NZ.

To find out more about the 2025 elections:

Source: Auckland Council

Two green spaces in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area have come out on top internationally.

Waikumete Cemetery has again been awarded the coveted Green Flag award, an internationally recognised quality mark for parks and green spaces, which it has received multiple times since 2014.

New Zealand’s largest cemetery, it was the first cemetery in the southern hemisphere to win the award.

The area of Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park surrounding Arataki Visitor Centre has also been recognised with a Green Flag award.

The Green Flag Award scheme evaluates parks based on criteria such as service quality, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland is delighted with the acknowledgement of treasured areas.

“Waikumete is a cornerstone facility, not just for our area but for our whole nation, as a space that holds people and memorials of national and cultural significance,” he says.

“And of course we know that the entire Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is world-class. With Arataki standing as the gateway to the ranges, it is fitting that it has received this award.

“To receive international recognition is a testament to the many people and teams, both council and community, that are charged with the maintenance and care for these spaces.

“On behalf of the board and our community, I’d like to congratulate and thank those who work tirelessly to preserve and safeguard these taonga.”

Wildflowers at Waikumete Cemetery.

Waikumete Cemetery

Located in Glen Eden, Waikumete Cemetery is a place of beauty, tranquillity, quiet reverence and rich history, which has served greater Auckland and Waitākere since 1886.

It is the final resting place for over 70,000 people, occupying a site of 108 hectares. It’s also one of the largest public parks in the Auckland region.

Arataki Visitor Centre.

Waitākere Ranges Regional Park – Arataki area

The iconic Waitākere Ranges Regional Park includes more than 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline, world-class scenery, sweeping black sand beaches, waterfalls, and walking tracks that have been enjoyed for many generations of Aucklanders.

Arataki Visitor Centre sits in the heart of the park and acts as a gateway to the Ranges. It is both a destination for those looking to learn about the area and a starting point for those looking for an adventure. The Green Flag award covers Arataki and the surrounding tracks and infrastructure.

The prestigious Green Flag award was awarded to 10 parks across Auckland this year:

• Ātiu Creek Regional Park

• Hunua Ranges Regional Park – Hunua West area

• Maungawhau

• Northshore Memorial Park

• Omana Regional Park

• Waikumete Cemetery

• Wainoni Park

• Waitākere Ranges Regional Park – Arataki area

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Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s Creative Communities Scheme is open for applications. 

Whether you’re an artist, performer, cultural or community group, a Creative Communities Scheme grant can give your project new energy and visibility, says Auckland Council’s Regional Funding Advisor Marion Prebble.

“It supports creative projects anywhere across the Auckland region – on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries,” she says.

Funded by Creative New Zealand and administered in partnership with Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, the Creative Communities Scheme encourages communities to make arts and culture an enriching part of everyday life for Aucklanders through art, music, dance, film-making, toi Māori, Pacific arts, weaving, writing, poetry and theatre.

There are two funding rounds each year in Tāmaki Makaurau, with an average grant of $5,000 per project.

Last year’s partnership between Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand supported 214 community arts projects, enabling 292,910 people from across the region to enjoy the arts and expand their creative experience.

Feral, a dance show created by rangatahi dancers in motion.

Helping rangatahi creativity shine

Dancer and actor Chance Ruby received a Creative Communities Scheme grant of $2,723 last year for her project Feral.

She brought together more than 30 young dancers, who worked with seven experienced choreographers to create, rehearse and present a high-quality performance for a Tāmaki Makaurau audience at TAPAC.

The project was aimed at dancers aged 14-18-years-old, who are looking to pursue a career in the arts. Feral gave them an opportunity to share their stories with each other, while uplifting the young dancers and reigniting their love of creative performance following a difficult few years of isolation for some through Covid.

How can I apply?

If you have an idea for a creative project, Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand encourage you to apply before applications close on 2 March 2025.

Younger people (under 18) can apply with a signature from their guardian.

If you have any questions about your project and how to apply email creative.communities@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

Source: Auckland Council

An innovative dynamic lane system on Whangaparāoa Road has provided much-needed time savings, helping over 25,000 vehicles travel smoothly each day.

Installed in 2018, this flexible lane utilises the median strip as an additional lane during peak times, allowing commuters to save up to ten minutes daily- despite a growing population.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum says, “Whangaparāoa Road is a vital link for our community. By continuously investigating improvements, it eases traffic and ultimately gets our people to their destination quickly and safely.”

To ensure the road space is fully utilised, Auckland Transport is extending the operating hours of the dynamic lane in the morning to benefit more drivers.

“We’ve noticed this road often gets busy early in the morning, so they are maximizing the existing road space to save commuters precious time” says Alexis.

In the new year, Auckland Transport will be working with the community on extending the times of the dynamic lane in the afternoon.

Albany Ward Councillor John Watson highlights the need to utilise current infrastructure.

“Despite our region’s growing population, the time savings for commuters show the value of prioritising smarter use of our roads before committing to new developments.

“Dynamic laning has been a real success in reducing congestion on Whangaparāoa, this type of innovative thinking is cost effective and relatively quick to implement.”

This is part of a wider programme of new technology and improvements Auckland Transport, and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are implementing to help our existing roads keep up with the tens of thousands of extra vehicles being added to the roads each year.

Source: Auckland Council

The loss of coastal habitat from development and erosion means that fewer high-tide areas are available for shorebirds to roost and breed across the Auckland region.

At Snells Beach, protection for endangered shorebirds would greatly improve with the proposed relocation of the picnic table at the northern end of Snells Beach to the area close to the Ahi Kaa walkway bridge.

Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says the Snells Beach wildlife is spectacular with over 20 species of shorebirds and waders using the area, but this exceptional nature experience and habitat is under threat from recreational use.

“We need to learn how to share the beach with our wildlife and it really is up to us to do everything we can to protect shorebirds reliant on the shore for their survival.”

Shorebirds visiting Snells Beach include threatened and at-risk species such as Kuaka (bar-tailed godwit, Tūturiwhatu (Northern New Zealand dotterel), Tōrea pango (variable oystercatchers), and at times the critically endangered tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern).

The shorebirds are trying to roost close to the northern most picnic table but are at risk from being frequently disturbed by people and dogs also using the space.

Bailey says, “It is a real worry because should the birds abandon this site there are limited alternative roost areas for them to use.

“We have been advised that the best solution is to move the picnic table near to the walkway bridge and away from the roost area, and to extend the potential high-tide roosting habitat where possible.”

The shorebird proposal to improve the roosting habitat will:

• remove a short length about 90m of the footpath

• create a new picnic area about 90m further south from the current picnic area

• create an open area where the picnic table is currently situated that shorebirds can use as additional roosting habitat

• create a buffer zone between the new picnic area and roosting site filled with low stature coastal plants, native shrubs and grasses

• include a soft barrier such as a rope balustrade

• install information panels about the shorebirds and the unique Snells Beach coastal ecosystem.

Bailey says the local board hopes the Snells Beach community will support the proposal, and if they have any feedback, they should email snellsbeachshorebirds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

The Snells Beach Shorebird Roosting Proposal [6.6MB] shows the current and proposed picnic table area.

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Source: Auckland Council

With more than 4000 parks in Auckland, there are outdoor areas in every corner of the region ready to be explored. The east central suburbs of St Heliers, Remuera, Ōrākei and Stonefields are no exception, with beautiful wetlands, kauri dells, playgrounds and basketball courts that beckon to be part of your next weekend adventure.

These four parks might be lesser-known than other spots in the east central suburbs, but they offer treasures worth discovering.

The Maungarei Springs Wetland is an oasis in the middle of one of Auckland’s newest suburbs, Stonefields. The park is built on a former quarry site in the lava flows of Maungarei/ Mt Wellington and features boardwalks through wetlands lined by harakeke (flax).

While walking along the boardwalks at Maungarei Springs Wetland, visitors might see pāpango (New Zealand scaup), kawaupaka (little shag) and matuku moana (white-faced heron).

Not only is it a pleasant gentle walk, but the area is a working landscape, playing a critical role in the environment. The wetland provides important stormwater treatment for the 160ha catchment which drains into it. Treating stormwater helps prevent contaminants such as heavy metals and algal bloom from entering the ecosystem.

The Maungarei Springs Wetland also offers the opportunity to see some unique native flora and fauna. The area is home to the native plant the hairy willow herb Epilobium hirtigerum as well as the pāpango (New Zealand scaup), New Zealand’s only diving duck. Other birds you might see include kawaupaka (little shag) and matuku moana (white-faced heron).

For those wanting a serious walk, the Maungarei Springs Wetland connects to the Stonefields Path which offers a bird’s eye view of the wetlands and a chance to see three pou installations created and donated by Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Te Ata. At the end of your walk you can enjoy the barbecue facilities at the Tephra Boulevard entrance to Maungarei Springs Wetland.

One of three pou installations created and donated by Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Te Ata on the Stonefields Path, which is built on the lava flows of Maungarei / Mt Wellington.

Children playing on the swings at Wharua Reserve might enjoy some of the best views in Auckland. This playground is tucked away in Remuera and is a hidden gem for parents, boasting beautiful vistas of Rangitoto, Takarunga / Mt Victoria and Maungauika / North Head. There are lots of activities to keep the kids occupied such as a wobbly slide, carousel, rope climbing frame and a fireman’s pole – kids can even play a game of trying to make their ‘toes touch Rangitoto’ while playing on the swings.

Wharua Reserve in Remuera has an action-packed playground with views of Takarunga / Mt Victoria, Maungauika / North Head and Rangitoto.

The park joins Portland Reserve and Waitaramoa Reserve with a stream that flows to Hobson Bay, home to ducks and other bird life. While in the neighbourhood you could also go playground hopping and check out the play facilities at Shore Road Reserve or the spider’s web climbing net at Newmarket Park.

Wandering through the lush forest in Dingle Dell Reserve, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of St Heliers. This enchanting 9ha urban ngahere (forest) echoes with bird song and is a favourite with nature lovers and dog walkers. The Dingle Dell Path is a 1.6km combination of tracks and stairs that cross through native bush and over streams, offering cool respite in the summer heat.

Dingle Dell walkway.

Dingle Dell Reserve has an interesting history. In 1842 it was one of four farms purchased by Major Thomas Bunbury, and while he owned the land he planted hawthorn hedges, oaks and weeping willows – some of which are still here today. In 1880 the land was purchased by the Northcote and St Heliers Land Company, who developed the area as a seaside suburb. The space was set aside as a public nature reserve in the 1930s, and during the Great Depression men were employed to fill in the swampy areas. Around this time it was given its name Dingle Dell, a play on ‘Dingley Dell’, a fictional town in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers.

Dingle Dell Reserve is home to many native trees including kauri and is classified as a high value kauri eco system. There are shoe cleaning stations around the dell to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Kupe Reserve in Ōrākei features an epic adventure playground next to Ōrākei Tennis Club.

Kupe Reserve in Ōrākei packs a lot into this little pocket of parkland. The reserve, which is situated behind the Ōrākei Community Centre, is teeming with things to keep the entire family occupied. The children’s playground features slides and an epic rock climbing wall, and parents can keep an eye on their kids while working out on the outdoor fitness equipment. There’s plenty of courtside action for teens at the basketball half court, and the reserve is also home to Ōrākei Tennis Club, a facility supported by Auckland Council.

Practise your three-pointers at Kupe Reserve’s basketball half court.

Source: Auckland Council

A community-led project is underway for a commemorative sculpture in Muriwai following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. With 68 Category 3 homes, it has meant many locals have had to leave the tight-knit community – a place they have lived, loved and called home.

Working with Muriwai’s community and local artists, renowned artist Jeff Thomson will transform materials from the suburb’s Category 3 homes into a permanent art installation for all to enjoy.

Located in the heart of Muriwai, the installation will consist of benches and columns up to 4m high made from recovered roofing, concrete, domestic fittings, tiles, bricks and more.

It will be a place for locals and visitors to come to reflect and remember the kindness and generosity of first responders, the community, aid organisations, local government officials and the wider public during the devastating event itself and in the weeks and months that followed.

Through this artwork, the Muriwai community wants to celebrate and acknowledge humanity’s generous and courageous spirit.

How you can help

This community-led project is funded 100% through the support of generous businesses and individuals.

The Muriwai community encourages you to join them for a fundraising dinner and auction on 10 December to raise funds for the sculpture. With delicious food prepared and cooked by celebrity chef Mike van de Elzen and his team, spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

If you can’t make the dinner but would like to support the project you can donate by 8 December.

Learn more about the Muriwai Commemorative Sculpture Project.

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Source: Auckland Council

As New Zealand heads into a summer that’s shaping up to be both warmer and wetter than usual, Auckland Council is urging rural Auckland residents to make essential preparations for any potential extreme weather events—whether it’s extended dry spells or heavy rainfall.

With a shift from last summer’s El Niño to La Niña, forecasters predict higher-than-average ocean and air temperatures, leading to a humid and potentially wetter season.

However, rural properties that rely on tank water are still at risk of water shortages, and Auckland Council is advising these residents to take proactive measures to ensure water resilience in case dry periods occur.

Auckland Council’s General Manager Healthy Waters, Craig Mcilroy, emphasises the need for readiness in rural communities, particularly those that may face isolation during severe weather events.

“Summer is the ideal time to get ahead of any potential water issues.

“Rural residents who rely on tank water should check levels frequently, conserve usage, and plan ahead with a water supplier to ensure they’re well-prepared. While neighbours can lend a hand, it’s crucial to be self-sufficient and ready for any situation,” Mcilroy says.

In response to previous droughts, Auckland Council has established 26 permanent community water bollards across rural areas as a backup drinking water supply, offering 20 litres per person per day during shortages. These bollards meet all drinking water standards and function as drinking fountains year-round.

Auckland Council’s network of 78 rain gauges keeps track of rainfall across the region, allowing the team to monitor water levels. In the event of low rainfall, automatic alerts will trigger actions to set up bollards for bulk bottle filling.

Actions for Rural Aucklanders to Prepare for Summer:

Regularly check your water tank levels and plan for top-ups if needed.

Book water deliveries early to avoid delays over the holiday period.

Conserve water: take shorter showers, maintain tank and gutter hygiene, and consider adding water-saving devices to taps and showers.

Ensure that any livestock using tank water are provided for, especially if dry conditions persist.

If feasible, think about investing in additional tank capacity to better handle prolonged dry spells.

Visit Auckland Council’s website to locate your nearest community water bollard and find more tips on maintaining your water tank for the season ahead.

Source: Auckland Council

Ensuring no disabled person is left behind during emergencies was top-of-mind this month at a hui hosted by Auckland Council’s Disability Advisory Panel.

The hui was an opportunity for Auckland Emergency Management to hear about the experiences and requirements of disabled people before and during an emergency, to share reminders on emergency preparedness and foster relationships with the disability community.

Barry de Geest, co-chair of the Disability Advisory Panel says the hui sparked healthy discussions about how the community and agencies can do better during the next emergency event.

“Natural disasters and emergencies are becoming more frequent, so it’s vitally important that the disabled community familiarise themselves with what to do during an emergency and plan ahead to be emergency-ready.

“The hui generated some candid discussions, and it was great to hear first-hand experiences and ideas from community members about emergency readiness and their own adaptability.”

“It’s important the disabled community and emergency response agencies including Auckland Emergency Management continue to work together, so no one is left behind during an emergency.”

Adam Maggs, General Manager Auckland Emergency Management says the agency will take on board the feedback from the hui and look to continually improve engagement with the disabled community.

“This year we have focused on ensuring all the buildings we could use for civil defence centres are accessible and that there are effective systems for letting the public know where and when a centre is open. We have trained more staff across the council to set up and operate a centre.

“In 2025, we will work with disability organisations to make readiness messages more accessible and so that the experiences of disabled people inform how we train staff and manage responses.”

Also in attendance at the hui were Storm Recovery Navigators, from the council, who work with those impacted by Auckland’s 2023 extreme weather events. The team is already supporting disabled people and whānau and is keen to work more closely with the disability community moving forward.

Mr Maggs says disabled Aucklanders can take steps to be better prepared for emergencies.

“The disabled community, like all communities, could be affected by an emergency situation, such as flooding or a major power outage.

“These often happen out of the blue, so it pays to be prepared in advance.

“Think about how you will know an emergency is happening; how an emergency could affect you; the support you need; having essential supplies for at least three days and where to go if you cannot stay at home.”

“For disabled people, these could include accessibility aids, medications, prescriptions, a medical alert tag, communication aids (e.g. if you are Deaf or cannot speak) and supplies for service animals.

“Think about who would support you during an emergency. It may pay to think about having more than one buddy you can call on for support, as your go-to support person might not be available when something happens. Think about planning for not being able to get home, for being stuck at home or for having to leave in a hurry. Plan for each of the places you spend a lot of time at (for example, work or your place of study).

Useful resources

For information on emergency preparedness for disabled people please visit getready.govt.nz

Please visit aucklandemergenymanagement.govt.nz for information about getting ready for an emergency in the Auckland region.