Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

The dynamic new digital platform Buzzly, created to engage youth in civics and developed by Auckland Council just four months ago, has won at the World Summit Awards 2024 for Digital Innovation with Social Impact.

Buzzly was recognised as one of the best digital impact solutions in the Government & Citizen Engagement category. Chosen from more than 400 solutions worldwide, Buzzly wowed judges by demonstrating how innovation can tackle societal challenges and contribute to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The platform was developed to bridge a gap in civic engagement and policy-making involving young people, particularly Māori and Pasifika. It targets the voice of youth and establishes an inclusive space for rangatahi to share ideas using creative challenges, rewarding participation and ensuring youth insights are heard and valued by decision-makers. 

World Summit Awards’ national expert for New Zealand, Frances Valintine is thrilled for Buzzly.

“This recognition is a testament to your vision and determination, and we are so pleased you are representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the global stage,” says Ms Valintine.

“Your hard work and dedication to empowering youth voices is truly inspiring, and we’re confident that you will make a significant impact for youth involvement in important matters.”

Auckland Council’s Governance and Engagement General Manager, Lou-Ann Ballantyne says, “Gaining youth engagement is no easy feat and this achievement so far demonstrates how the Buzzly platform is really able to move and shake things up in this space.”

And General Manager Group Strategy, Transformation and Partnerships, Anna Bray is proud of the team.

“Thanks to funding from council’s The Southern Initiative, Buzzly has come a long way since upgrading from ‘Up South’, a platform initially designed to engage Māori and Pasifika rangatahi of South Auckland. I look forward to seeing what else it can do,” says Ms Bray.

The Buzzly team is now getting ready to take on a major mission – improving youth participation in Auckland’s Elections 2025. 

With Auckland’s elections planning well underway, it is hoped Buzzly will be the “cavalry” to ramp up youth participation in this year’s elections. In 2022, of the 1.1 million Aucklanders registered to vote, only 26 per cent of those aged 18-25 voted.

The platform’s first ever elections challenge asks participants to consider, “What’s the council done for me?”, and encourages potential entrants to do their homework by asking, “What do you love about Auckland, and how’s the council involved?” as well as “How could the council make Auckland a city that slays?”

Platform users can respond to the challenge by producing content with a call to action for their peers in whatever medium they choose, and the best outputs are awarded prizes.

The purpose of the challenge is to show rangatahi, who are among Tāmaki Makaurau’s harder-to-reach audiences, how the decisions made by local government impact their daily lives – giving them reason to engage.

The What does Auckland Council do for you? challenge is live 3 February – 9 March 2025 with $200 prizes up for grabs – get all the buzz here.

Source: Auckland Council

We seek applications now, from experienced and adventurous artists for our 2025 park based artist’s residency. The selected artist will live by the sea, in Barr Cottage, Little Huia – an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Waitākere parkland.

The artist in residence will create site-specific art about a habitat, creature, character or feature of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The artist’s residency work will be shared with our park visitors in some way – usually through a performance, event, workshop, exhibition, recording, publication or on-park storyboard.

Artists living within parks 24/7, witness things our visitors often miss. For eight weeks they delve into the nature of a place and get a sense of sites or species of significance. Embedded within a park, they serve as our ears and eyes and draw on what they see and hear to create art which reflects these immersive experiences.

This regional park residency offers a two month stay on the shores of the Manukau Harbour from November-December 2005 and is open to innovative, experienced and professional artists. We welcome proposals from writers, filmmakers, composers, choreographers, sculptors, painters, printmakers and other creatives.

View towards Manakau heads.

Applications close 21 February 2025. More information and documents to guide your application are available here. 

Moon and sun prints

Kate van der Drift our 2024 artist enabled us to see ‘her park’, Waitawa, in a new light – with her suite of photos taken by the light of the moon. Some of Kate’s ethereal moonlit photos now grace the gritty façade of Magazine 4 (an old industrial explosives warehouse) at Waitawa Regional Park.

Kate van der Drift our 2024 artist in Residence.

Another tranche of Kate’s residency work, camera-less prints of plants, which harnessed the sun and water as ‘developers’ will be exhibited as part of the Festival of Photography in May 2025. One of Kate’s plant-based prints and interpretation of her experimental process to make it, will stay permanently where it was created – at the bach at Waitawa, for future users of the bach to enjoy.

Over three nights, Kate explored the park in this ethereal moonlight, and some of these photographs are presented here.

To see the range of projects artists have produced and the benefits to both artist and park visitor please visit here.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s final proposal for representation arrangements will soon be considered by the Local Government Commission, taking Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland one step closer to confirmed electoral boundaries and the total number of elected members for the October 2025 elections.

A public hearing on 4 February at Auckland Town Hall is where the Commission will hear the council’s proposed changes, following a complex review on representation carried out in 2024.

​Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party, says the process, through consultation, captured valuable public and local board feedback (2,359 submissions and 19 from local boards) that helped refine the recommendations for change.

“Tāmaki Makaurau is always changing and it’s vital for us to review our local representation structure at least every six years. Keeping Auckland’s council electoral boundaries and elected member ratios up to date helps to ensure fair and effective local and regional representation, and keeps decision-making as local as possible,” says Cr Fairey.

The council’s final proposal for the 2025 representation arrangements was resolved in September and publicly notified in October 2024, so that anyone with outstanding concerns could officially submit an appeal or objection.

The Commission will consider the 18 appeals and objections it received and invite those who submitted an appeal or objection to speak in person at the hearing.

Important changes proposed for Auckland include adjusting the North Shore /Albany ward boundary, central Auckland ward boundaries, and Rodney and Howick local board subdivisions.

These adjustments will accommodate faster growth in some areas by ensuring that each elected member represents more or less the same number of people within their ward or local board area, to provide fair and effective representation for all Aucklanders – no matter where they live.

The Commission must also consider the council’s decision not to comply with the fairness rule in certain areas to keep connected communities together, and to maintain fair representation for those living in less-populated areas.

Areas where exceptions are proposed include the North Shore/Albany wards, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board subdivisions, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board subdivisions, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board subdivisions and Franklin Local Board subdivisions. 

Minor local board boundary changes may also be discussed. The council has proposed making changes to the Upper Harbour/Devonport-Takapuna local board boundary, in Kaipātiki /Upper Harbour, and Puketāpapa/ Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.

Once the hearing concludes, the Commission must decide whether to approve the council’s proposed changes by 11 April 2025, allowing time for changes to be introduced ahead of the October 2025 elections.

Everyone is welcome to attend the hearing or watch it live-streamed online. The full recording will be made available on the Commission’s YouTube channel afterwards.

To read more on the council’s final proposal, visit OurAuckland and akhaveyoursay/representation.

Source: Auckland Council

As Auckland temperatures rise, many tots and toddlers will enjoy cooling off in one of the regions’ pools this summer – even if they haven’t learnt the word pool yet. There are many toddler-friendly pools around Auckland ready to help your child make a splash, helping them to stay cool, learn life-long skills and gain confidence in the water.

Toddler pools and paddling pools are a great way for little ones to get comfortable around water. By having a dedicated pool, toddlers can have fun while learning water skills without the risk of colliding with older children. These pools are especially designed to make the swimming experience more enjoyable for little ones – the shallow water allows them to touch the bottom easily and often these pools are slightly warmer. Make sure to check the opening hours of toddler pools as they may be closed at times when adult pools are open.

Safety first

Toddlers are a handful in or out of the water, and safety is crucial when swimming with small children. Pools for toddlers make it easier for adults to focus their attention on little ones in the pool. Never turn your back on a toddler in the water – our safety rules state that a caregiver 17 years and over must be within arm’s reach of children under four at all times.

Children aged 5-10 must be supervised and adults must be close enough to provide immediate assistance.

Follow the child-to-adult ratios when supervising your children. One adult should accompany no more than two children aged four and under; for children aged 5-10 the ratio is four children to one adult. Please note that for hygiene reasons children under three must wear a waterproof swimming nappy – an easy way to keep the nappy in place is by dressing your child in togs over the top.

Learn a life skill

Babies as young as six months can take part in swimming lessons at Auckland Council’s pool and leisure centres. There is a dedicated babies class for infants aged six months to one year, and for kids aged 1-3 there are three toddler classes, based on your child’s ability to submerge on cue and confidence to swim independently. For kids aged 3-5 there are three dedicated pre-school classes. Unsure which class suits your child? Check out this swim level flow chart or book an assessment.

Unsure of your toddler’s swimming ability? Book an assessment to make sure you enroll your child in the right swimming class.

Six toddler pools to try

There are many toddler pools to choose from around the region, but here are a few of our favourites.

1. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre

Located in Pakuranga, this is the perfect spot for kids and toddlers. The indoor splash pool is 33°C and features a fountain so littlies can play and get used to the feeling of water on their face. The learners’ pool features a wheelchair accessibility ramp and has depth ranges of 0.75m-0.9m. The facility also has an outdoor splashpad, which is another fun way to cool off during summer.

Opening hours:

• Toddler splash pool: 30am-5.15pm

• Splash pad: 10am-6pm (weather dependent, December-March/April)

2. Albany Stadium Pool

Toddlers and young ones are well catered for at Albany Stadium Pool. The dedicated toddler pool is heated to 31°C and features a play centre and slide – it’s wheelchair accessible and water wheelchairs are available. There’s also an indoor splash pad, over-the-pool rock climbing wall and a 20m programmes pool for swimming lessons.

Toddler pool hours:

• Monday-Friday 30am-7pm

• Saturday-Sunday 8am-7pm

Toddlers can enjoy the pool and splash play area at Albany Stadium Pool.

3. Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

This fantastic community facility features a toddlers’ pool heated to a comfy temperature of 32°C. A colourful water feature helps kids have fun while learning important water skills. The 15m learners’ pool is a great option for older children advancing with their swimming, and older kids can also enjoy the outdoor pool in the summer months.

Toddler pool hours:

Older children enjoying the learners’ pool at Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre.

4. Grey Lynn Paddling Pool

This dedicated outdoor toddler pool is popular with tots during the summer months. The hexagonal pool has a maximum depth of 0.75m, is sheltered from the sun by shade sails and is patrolled by a lifeguard during opening hours. It’s right next to a playground so your kids will stay active wet or dry.

Toddler pool hours:

Shade sail offer extra sun protection at the outdoor Grey Lynn Paddling Pool.

5. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre

This all-ages centre features a toddlers’ splash pool with a fun umbrella fountain. The water is heated to a balmy 32°C. The learners’ pool features three lanes making it great for swim lessons, and it can also be accessed by a ramp.

Toddler pool hours:

Tots will enjoy the toddler splash pool at Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre, heated to a balmy 32°C.

6. Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

This facility in Māngere is fun central all year round. Indoors there’s a toddlers’ pool that’s 0.3-0.9m deep, and features a friendly orca sculpture and a splash pool with a bubble pit. The learners’ pool has a depth of 0.75-1.1m, great for lessons. Outdoors there’s a splash pad, and for older kids there’s a hydroslide and a dedicated bombing pool so your kids can learn to pop a manu.

Toddler pool hours:

Click here for a full list of Auckland Council pools and opening hours

Source: Auckland Council

2025 is off to a fiery start for Auckland’s waste trucks with five rubbish and recycling truck fires in the first two weeks of January.  

An ever-increasing number of battery-powered devices and batteries in household bins are the most-likely cause of these fires. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if damaged or crushed as part of the waste collection process.     

In December alone, nearly 600 laptops and over 300 12-volt batteries found their way to Auckland’s regional recycling facility, in what appears to have been a pre-Christmas offload by Aucklanders. These account for almost a third of the total number of laptops and 12V batteries found at the site since June 2024.

The Auckland recycling facility, which sorts all the region’s kerbside recycling, has one or two small fires a week with the cause most often attributed to lithium-ion batteries.

Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions, is keen to ensure everyone understands that putting ewaste in kerbside bins creates a fire hazard.

“Electronic devices and batteries can be recycled in most cases, but they contain hazardous substances so require specialist handling. We would encourage people to use takeback and drop-off schemes run by retailers and local community recycling centres,” Ms Haves says.

“Making use of battery and ewaste drop-off options helps keep you and our staff safe, keeps harmful materials out of the environment, and helps us recover and reuse valuable resources.”

Batteries and devices containing lithium-ion batteries present a high-risk source of fires for both rubbish and recycling collection trucks and waste facilities. The combination of flammable electrolyte, with substantial amounts of stored energy, can result in the rapid and uncontrolled release of heat energy (thermal runaway).  During thermal runaway, toxic gases are emitted and can re-ignite even after being extinguished.

To try and mitigate the dangers of rubbish truck fires, the council’s Waste Solutions team are planning a new programme of testing to give an early warning to a truck driver experiencing a fire and options for extinguishing the fire inside the truck.  This would also reduce the potential for environmental contamination when the load is tipped-out for Fire and Emergency responders to extinguish.

Currently, drivers who notice smoke or a fire coming from their truck must notify their supervisor, who contacts Fire and Emergency, and then find a safe clear place to empty their load.

Batteries are not the only fire hazards placed in bins. In January this year, a half-full 40kg LPG bottle and a partially full ‘jerry can’ of petrol were discovered by recycling truck drivers. Over 300 LPG bottles and gas canisters have been recorded in the past six months at the recycling facility alone.  

Fire hazards – car batteries and LPG bottles discovered in kerbside recycling bins.

How to dispose of hazardous materials – battery-powered devices, batteries, gas bottles and other hazardous materials

• Mitre 10 and Bunnings have battery drop-off schemes. Check their websites for more information.

• Retailers often have take-back schemes for used battery-powered devices they have sold. Some large retailers like Noel Leeming allow you to bring in items they did not sell. Check retailer websites for what they accept and participating stores.

• Many local community recycling centres have ewaste recycling and even volunteer opportunities to learn how to safely disassemble laptops.

• Gas bottles and canisters can be taken to a community recycling centre or to a MataGas outlet provided it is empty of gas. Some New Zealand camping stores sell a tool that enables canisters to be fully emptied prior to drop off at a recycling centre.

• Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes to search for places to recycle or get rid of specific items.

Source: Auckland Council

A Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges Kauri Population Health Monitoring Survey just published, has revealed no detectable signs of kauri dieback (P. agathidicida) in the Hūnua Ranges.

The health monitoring survey, the first for the Hūnua Ranges, was carried out between March and November 2023. It was designed to establish the health of kauri, including whether the pathogen might be present in the ranges and collected comprehensive data on 561 kauri trees. 

The survey was a collaborative effort between Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, and ngā iwi mana whenua o Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui – Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Ngāti Tamaterā.

Results indicate a robustly healthy kauri population, with over 95 per cent of trees surveyed in excellent health – a much higher rate than the 55 per cent of sites observed in the 2021 Waitākere survey.

Furthermore, over 92 per cent of surveyed sites showed the presence of healthy seedlings or saplings, indicating strong regeneration and a healthy ecosystem. Importantly, the survey found no evidence of kauri dieback within the study area.

Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council has made significant investment into both kauri protection and surveillance since 2018 and the report shows these efforts are paying off.

“The kauri dieback pathogen has been detected in most regions where kauri grows in New Zealand, so to have 97 to 99.9 per cent confidence the Hūnua Ranges area is dieback free, is remarkable,” says Councillor Hills.

“As a popular destination, recreational activity in the Hūnua Ranges is high and the results demonstrate the importance the community places on protecting this special area and supporting the council in its efforts to keep kauri healthy and thriving.

“The assurance this report affords us is critical for ongoing forest management and underscores the necessity for proactive conservation efforts and community engagement to preserve the health of the Hūnua Ranges and all of our precious forests.”

Auckland Council’s Principal Biosecurity Advisor, Dr Sarah Killick says protecting kauri from the threat of dieback is paramount to ensuring the specie’s survival.

“The findings of this survey provide a baseline for monitoring kauri health and will guide future prevention strategies to safeguard this precious ecosystem.”

The survey’s risk assessment highlighted areas most vulnerable to pathogen introduction.

A similar survey in the Waitākere Ranges in 2022 indicated kauri dieback was strongly associated with historical and recent soil disturbances. In areas where it occurred, kauri appeared to be more prone to poor health and vulnerable to disease.

Evidence indicates soil and forest disturbances are introduction pathways for kauri dieback, emphasising the importance of preventing soil movement as key to protecting the health of this forest.

Enhanced AI and machine learning tools have helped map kauri, building on the successes of similar efforts in the Waitākere Ranges.

Dr Killick says ongoing monitoring will be critical to track changes in kauri health over time, considering factors such as land use, environmental management, and climate change.

The survey will continue to be carried out every five years.

Read the 2023 Hūnua Ranges Kauri Population Health Monitoring Report here

Source: Auckland Council

A burst of colour is on the horizon for Tāmaki Makaurau as Auckland Pride Festival returns for February 2025. As a proud Strategic Partner, Auckland Council is calling on all Aucklanders to join the vibrant festivities in support of rainbow communities across our region. 

The month-long festival kicks off on 1 February and is an annual open-access arts, cultural and community fiesta featuring 160 events, with major events like Pride Fest Out West and Big Gay Out. Also included are key works as part of Te Tīmatanga, a rangatahi-led exhibition at Season Gallery Aotearoa, and Pride Elevates at Q Theatre Loft, within Auckland Pride’s own curated arts programme.   

The festival celebrates and empowers Auckland’s rainbow communities with a special focus this year on fostering resilience, visibility, and unity through events, creativity, and advocacy – a focus that strongly aligns with Auckland Council values. 

Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council is committed to supporting our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.  

“As a Pride Pledge partner, we’re happy to be on board for yet another year of fabulous celebrations alongside Auckland Pride Festival,” says Cr Hills.  

“The festival has a fantastic programme for us all this year, with something on offer for everyone to enjoy including live performances, community events, art installations and new and exciting activity in our Proud Centres and libraries to name a few. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and about, show your support and make the most of the community-focused activities on offer”. 

Hāmiora Bailey, Auckland Pride’s Executive Director says the theme of this year’s festival is Tētahi Ki Tētahi or ‘to one another, and each other’ which encompasses Auckland Pride’s values of inclusivity, respect and peace.  

“Auckland Pride Festival offers a safe space for all, and we’re back this year to continue championing our takatāpui and rainbow community members who make Auckland a more liveable and exciting city,” adds Hāmiora. 

“We are thought leaders, business owners, creatives and artists who contribute to the lifeblood of Tāmaki Makaurau. We’re proud to be back and working alongside Auckland Council as we align with its long-term plan of ‘providing for our communities in the greatest need’ and in addition, through Waimahara and Te Tīmatanga, we enact the council’s commitment to deliver outcomes for and with Māori. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to celebrating in unison right across Tāmaki Makaurau”. 

At Pride Festival 2025 be sure to check out: 

Proud Centres  

Auckland Council’s Proud Centres are back! Proud Centres offer opportunities for people to come together in their local neighbourhoods across Auckland, providing a dynamic range of events and activities that champion local takatāpui and rainbow community members.  

Highlights for this year’s Proud Centres programme include Ang Sininang Bulawan (The Golden Dress) by Marc Conaco at Studio One Toi Tū, Embroidery for Crafty Queers, Proud Voices Open Mic Night on Waiheke Island, The Starlight Disco at Onehunga Oranga Community Centre, Insider Outsider at Mt Albert Library, and the LGBTQIA+ Craft Club (Pride Edition) at Point Chevalier.  

Love is Love: Take 3 Romances 
 
Calling all book worms! From 1 February, you’re invited into our libraries to celebrate Auckland Pride Festival and our rainbow communities, and mark Valentines Day by making the most ‘Love is Love: Take 3 Romances’. 

Auckland Council Libraries will feature a Love is Love display showcasing books from a curated list that celebrations the rainbow community. Members aged 18 and over who borrow three or more books from the collection will be automatically in to win one of five eGift vouchers to spend on something special for themselves and their dearest – don’t miss out! 

Pride Artist Residencies 

If you’re in the city centre, be sure to check out The Ellen Melville Centre’s Queer Creative Residency, as part of Auckland Council’s Proud Centre initiatives for Auckland Pride Festival 2025. This exciting opportunity offers one takatāpui creative from any discipline the chance to transform the Marilyn Waring Room into a public-facing studio space, visible from High Street. 

Rainbow storytelling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge  

Vector Lights is proud to present its first rainbow story on the Auckland Harbour Bridge! Contemporary installation and takatāpui artist, and a master’s student at Unitec, Alex Watene (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Arawa a Tūhoe) brings his thesis to life in a new dynamic light and sound show). ‘Re-indigenising gender diversity here in Aotearoa New Zealand’ explores the impact of colonisation and raises awareness about Takatāpui identity and its acceptance in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight and is the feature of Vector Lights for Auckland Pride Festival. Head to vector.co.nz/lights and listen live from some of the best viewing spots including, Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria. 

Due to critical maintenance work by NZTA, some of the lights will not appear on the west side overarch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the work is expected by 31 March 2025. 

Waimahara at Myers Park for the big finish! 

Auckland Pride Festival has something special in store before the curtains shut for another year. Pride month will culminate at Waimahara at Myers Park, a reimagined gathering that shifts the traditional Pride March and Pride Party to an activation that reflects on the strength within rainbow communities and galvanises the shared vision of queer liberation and social justice.  

All are welcome to join in on the celebration, beginning with a rally in Aotea Square Grass Terraces. Attendees will walk together to Myers Park, experiencing multi-sensory artwork Waimahara by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu), for a day of connection, learning, and organising around shared advocacy goals. 

Visit aucklandpride.co.nz for the full programme 

Source: Auckland Council

A conservation effort led by Auckland Council rangers to assist one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most treasured native birds is delivering groundbreaking results.

At least 55 rare hihi chicks have hatched in Shakespear Regional Park’s Open Sanctuary this summer – a first for the species in more than a hundred years.  

Auckland Council Parks Committee chair, Councillor Ken Turner, says the commitment from staff, local iwi, volunteers, and the Department of Conservation to reintroduce hihi to the Auckland mainland is a significant step to secure the future of this distinctive forest songbird.  

“I’m hugely thankful for the work that our rangers and others do to build on the conservation of our region’s flora and fauna. The success of this project will give hihi the boost it needs to flourish again, and Aucklanders an opportunity to experience these little treasures in their natural environment,” Cr Turner says.

The new chicks have emerged following a carefully managed journey in June 2024 for 40 adult hihi, also known as stitchbirds, from predator-free Tiritiri Matangi Island to a new mainland home at Shakespear Regional Park.

Senior Ranger of Shakespear Open Sanctuary Matt Maitland says the council’s Regional Parks northern team, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, who all worked together on the translocation, have been thrilled to see so many of the birds breeding.

“The number of healthy chicks to arrive has exceeded all our expectations, given it’s the first breeding season in their new home,” says Mr Maitland.  

“They are the first hihi – one of NZ’s rarest forest birds – to hatch and succeed in the area since disappearing from mainland Auckland in the 1870s.”

Mr Maitland credits an ongoing focus from partners involved in the project for its success, with translocation support provided by the Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, the Department of Conservation Hihi Recovery Group, and Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi.

A couple of hihi were lost due to natural causes, but this is a great result compared with an unsuccessful translocation attempt in 2022, Mr Maitland says. 

The hihi is nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

Recovery efforts have recently established small populations in pockets around the North Island, including at Tiritiri Matangi. Shakespear Open Sanctuary now brings the total number of hihi habitats to eight.

There are thought to be around 2000 hihi in the country, making it one of New Zealand’s rarest native birds.

The council and SOSSI volunteers will continue to closely monitor the new population at Shakespear Regional Park, while working with other partners to provide enhanced protection to their habitat alongside education initiatives.

SOSSI volunteer Maree Johnston and Auckland Council ranger Bruce Harrison carefully undertake the task of banding a hihi chick.

Source: Auckland Council

Homai Station is now ready for more frequent train services when the City Rail Link opens in 2026, with safer access to the station as well as improvements for the local blind and low vision community. 

The safer access replaces two pedestrian level crossings which are now closed as part of an ongoing programme replacing level crossings to support more frequent trains while improving safety and keeping roads moving.

Homai Station was blessed today by mana whenua, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and will re-open to passengers with a new accessible ramp and pathways when train services resume on 28 January. 

It is one of many projects Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail are carrying out during the month-long closure of Auckland’s rail network, says AT Programme Director Kris Gibson. 

“Replacing the level crossings with this new accessible ramp and stairs will make it safer to access Homai Station, where there will be an increased number of trains running once the City Rail Link opens in 2026,” he says. 

“In particular, it will be safer for people accessing the nearby BLENNZ (Blind Low Vision Education Network NZ) School and Blind Low Vision NZ South Auckland office and Guide Dog Training Centre. 

“We engaged with the community early and their feedback helped us make sure the upgrades to Homai Station will benefit those who use it,” Mr Gibson says. 

A new modular-structure ramp runs from Browns Road Bridge to the station, along with new lighting, wider footpaths and new pathways from the carpark and Mcvilly Road. The ramp colour scheme and bright yellow handrail is specifically designed to be high contrast, helping people with low vision to differentiate between the sloping and flat sections of the ramp. 

BLENNZ School Homai Principal Saul Taylor says, “BLENNZ (Blind Low Vision Education Network NZ) have been delighted with the excellent level of inclusion and connection with Auckland Transport’s project team.  

“The engagement with BLENNZ has been invaluable and we have felt listened to throughout the project. By including our suggestions and working alongside us so closely, the walkways and new ramp for the station will be more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for our whole school community.  

“The benefits will be felt for many years to come,” Mr Taylor says. 

Source: Auckland Council

Get the whole family active on one of Auckland’s fantastic bike paths. Scenic routes wind through tranquil neighbourhoods and reserves and meander along coastal areas and past playgrounds, with plenty of places to stop and picnic or play.

These paths are gentle and picturesque, suitable for kids and first-time cyclists.

Explore Ambury Farm and Māngere Foreshore 

Stop for a mid-bike breather at Ambury Regional Park (also known as Ambury Farm) and enjoy seeing a city farm in action with cows, chickens, pigs and more. Start your ride at the beginning of Kiwi Esplanade Reserve near the new Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge and weave your way around the waterfront to Ambury Regional Park. Once you’re in the farm you can begin the Māngere Foreshore Path, this isn’t a loop so you will need to make your way back the way you came. For a fun detour you can veer off to Māngere Lagoon Path for a short trip around the lagoon. 

Ambury Regional Park has toilets, picnic tables and places to fill up your water bottles, so it is well worth making this stunning spot your big pit stop of the day. All our regional parks are rubbish free, so make sure to take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.

Narrow Neck to Devonport Path

Enjoy a family day out on this path from Narrow Neck Beach to Devonport village. The shared path swoops past beaches and reserves, and has excellent views of Rangitoto Island and Maungauika (North Head). At Narrow Neck Beach there is a great playground, and Cheltenham Beach is another worthwhile stop where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or rest under a pōhutukawa tree.

Waterview Path

Following Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek, the wide, sealed Waterview Path is more than just a cycle ride; it offers a range of things to see and do along the way. Kids will love zooming across the colourful bridges and stopping to inspect the playgrounds and skate parks. 

You can also take the Grey Lynn to Waterview path, follow the rainbow road and it will guide you to Waterview Reserve. The path goes under the motorway where you can loop onto the wide and relatively flat Northwestern cycleway which gives you a flat ride all the way to Great North Road.

This path is all about the gold at the end of the rainbow! The Grey Lynn cycle path to Waterview is a vibrant path that sidelines the motorway.

See the city on the Westhaven Path

Weave your way around our beautiful city centre waterfront on Westhaven Path. Start your ride along Curran Street in Herne Bay. You’ll find street parking here, or good nearby public transport. Cross under Auckland Harbour Bridge and onto the new boardwalks along Westhaven Promenade where you can enjoy stunning harbour views. Head left up Beaumont Street onto Te Wero Walkway where you can enjoy the nearby Daldy Street Park equipped with a basketball court, playground, water play area and 7.5m slide.

Carry on along the waterfront and dip your toes in the water at Karanga Plaza and admire the city view. 

If the kids still have energy left to burn it is worth continuing over Te Wero bridge to see Te Wānanga, located on the seaward side of Quay Street. It’s an architectural take on a rocky tidal shelf, with openings like rock pools and steel balustrades like giant kina shells. Enjoy a breather under the shade of beautiful pōhutukawa. 

The Daldy Street Linear Park has exciting play areas for all ages, featuring water play and 7 metre silo slides.

Te Ara Tahuna/Ōrewa Estuary Path

Cycle the Te Ara Tahuna around the edge of the Ōrewa Estuary, through bush and parks. The route is a gentle loop with lovely views across the water and interesting features such as Māori carvings which celebrate the area’s history as an abundant food source. The flat and sealed path is perfect for children on bikes.

This pathway for walkers and cyclists goes around the beautiful Ōrewa estuary, connecting Hibiscus Coast beaches, community facilities and the Ōrewa township.

Pakuranga Rotary Path

Get views of Maungarei (Mount Wellington) and the sweeping Tāmaki Estuary on this flat bike ride along the Tāmaki River, from Farm Cove to the Panmure Bridge.

A highlight of the path is the snakes and ladders park in Farm Cove, where the kids can stop and enjoy some fun with a view. There are also other scenic picnic spots near the water, where you can pause and watch boats gliding by.

Find more great cycling tracks and walks near you on our website.