Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has today announced that all islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including Kawau Island, enter a prohibited fire season from 2 December, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means no fires are allowed in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

Announcing the total fire ban, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Risk Manager for Counties Manukau, Thomas Harre, says drier conditions are increasing the chance of a fire spreading rapidly through the light scrub and grass found across the gulf islands.

“We’ve had a relatively wet winter and warm spring which has led to exceptional growth,” he says.

“Now, with the temperature increasing scrub and grasses will start drying out quickly. Combined with periods of extended dry and windy spells, there’s a high risk of wildfires occurring and spreading fast.”

Thomas Harre says the risk only becomes higher with the increase of visitors to the islands in December.

“We’ve had significant wildfires on the islands in previous Decembers caused by visitors lighting fires without knowledge of the surrounding environment. These fires have spread and damaged property and the environment.”

He says the risk of significant fires is increased due to the islands’ isolation.

“The islands are only accessible by sea, and only some have airports. This can make responding to wildfires or evacuations delayed and difficult. We want to do everything we can to decrease the possibility such wildfires appear in the islands this summer.”

The prohibition encompasses all islands of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, including Kawau Island, in the Waitematā District.

People should visit www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any type of fire anywhere over summer, to check they are allowed to in their current fire season.

Source: Auckland Council

A kaleidoscope of festivity is illuminating the city centre.

A sparkling pavilion and light forest are captivating Aotea Square, Christmas on Queen Street is popping up with live music and tinsel mania, Smith & Caughey’s storybook shop windows are lighting up children’s adoring faces, Commercial Bay’s Santa’s Magic Mail Machine is in hot demand, Vector Lights for a Kiwi Christmas will light up the harbour bridge, and there’s a festive makeover for Hogwash the red ferry crossing the Viaduct Harbour.

‘The Pav’ is the nickname for the much-loved luminescent pavilion which made its Christmas debut in Te Komititanga. It is bringing its toybox of colour and light to midtown’s Aotea Square this season.

Star attraction in Te Komititanga, the square at the waterfront end of town, is a magical new Christmas tree. Te Manaaki is delivered by Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with Auckland Council’s contribution from the city centre targeted rate. More at Our Auckland.

Waitematā Local Board Chair Genevieve Sage is thrilled to see Aucklanders enjoying a square-to-square experience this year, with festive music, art and lighting filling our public spaces from Aotea Square to Te Komititanga.

“I am a big fan of Te Manaaki, and it’s great to see the pavilion in its new home. We really are projecting ourselves as the world-class city centre we are, and I am confident Aucklanders will turn out this Christmas season and discover that for themselves,” she says.    

Some highlights:

Giant tree will knock your Christmas stockings off

Standing at a majestic 18.4 metres tall, Te Manaaki is decorated with 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 pōhutukawa flowers and 200 giant baubles. A new centrepiece for Te Komititanga, the giant tree marks the beginning of an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland.

The glow of Te Manaaki radiates into the evening, carving its place in time among the festive capitals of the world. In a contrast of eras, Te Manaaki stands between the glorious Chief Post Office building which has seen 115 Christmases and the buzz of Commercial Bay. The tree will be lit from 5pm every day until 5 January, with a five minute light show every ten minutes.

Te Manaaki tree in the daytime. Photo credit: Sacha Stejko

‘The Pav’ lifts Aotea Square to bright new heights

Co-created by award-winning designers Angus Muir, Matt Liggins, and Auckland Council’s Barbara Holloway, the Christmas Pavilion lit up children’s eyes by day and Instagram by night when it was first unveiled in 2022.

Glittering with more than 900 lights, giant Christmas shapes and a stage for performances, this year The Pav is part of Christmas in Aotea Square. The popular square at the heart of the arts quarter is putting on an array of free entertainment from live music to circus, visual arts to karaoke, and even an outdoor cinema. Learn more at Auckland Live.

Christmas tunes and tinsel antics pop-up on Queen Street

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December, shoppers and commuters in Queen Street will discover entertainers and friendly tinsel monsters popping up on footpaths and at intersections bringing cheeky Christmas cheer.

The Saxobros.

Enticing people to dwell, stop and listen, shop and enjoy the streets and spaces all decked out in festive mode, retailers along Queen Street will also capture the imaginations of visitors and encourage them to stay longer in the city centre this festive season.

Storybook of Little Kiwi’s journey lights up the harbour bridge

In the storybook We Wish You a Kiwi Christmas, Little Kiwi dreams of riding through the skies with Santa, and is surprised one Christmas Eve to find Santa with a broken sleigh. With the help of some of her bird friends, Little Kiwi finally gets her wish!

Vector Lights for a Kiwi Christmas is celebrating this festive season from 12 December with an all-new light and sound show based on the classic children’s Christmas book.

Sing along with Pio Terei in English and te reo Māori to the lights on the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Head to vector.co.nz/lights and listen live from your favourite viewing spot. Some of the best viewing places include Little Shoal Bay, Westhaven Marina, and Silo Park.

Ride in a canoe with two plucky pōhutukawa kids

Pōhutukawa kid figurines.

Smith & Caughey’s animated Christmas windows opened last month, with little ones gathering excitedly on a red carpet.

The windows this Christmas season are inspired by the Kiwi classic The Adventures of Hutu and Kawa, written and illustrated by Avis Acres. In an old pōhutukawa tree between the forest and the sea live Hutu and Kawa. With the help of Grandpa Kiwi, Hutu and Kawa build a canoe and set off up the river to explore the forest. On their way they make many new friends – and encounter a fearsome hawk.

A firm favourite with young Kiwis since its publication in 1955, Avis’ watercolours of New Zealand native bush continue to be appreciated for their nostalgic charm. Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street store brings these delightful characters to life in animated art.

Take the festive ferry to Christmas market at Wynyard Quarter

Red Boats ferry sailing past city waterfront.

Hogwash, the beloved red ferry connecting Aucklanders across the Viaduct Harbour, is getting an enchanting festive makeover for the holiday season, with Santa’s helpers on board the weekends before Christmas. The FREE ferry service runs between the Eastern Viaduct and the Viaduct Events Centre every day 7am to late.

On 7 and 8 December you’ll disembark at Karanga Plaza and find a Christmas market. Eke Panuku and Park Hyatt Auckland are bringing you this delightful artisan market experience, with unique handcrafted gifts, delicious treats and more.

Feel the joy of the season with free festive craft workshops and Santa himself. Gather your loved ones and head to Karanga Plaza for a weekend of Christmas magic, seaside sparkle, and holiday cheer. More details on Facebook here.

The festive programme in Aotea Square and Queen Street is brought to the city centre by Auckland Council, funded fully by the city centre targeted rate. For times, dates and venues go to Christmas in the city centre | Heart of the City or Our Auckland for regionwide festive events.

Source: Auckland Council

Thanks to the tireless work of volunteers, schools, teachers, Auckland Council’s Park rangers and the Howick Local Board, a remarkable change is taking place.

Ecological volunteering initiatives and the Adopt-a-Park program have made a positive impact in the Howick area, with 6,957 plants planted during the 2024 winter planting season (five hundred trees were planted in the first quarter, from July to September), seven Adopt-a-Park school planting events and 280 planting participants.

With $50,000 in funding from the board, works include planting days, pest plant and animal control, local park clean-ups, and community environmental education and events.

The aim is simple, to empower the community to take meaningful environmental action, fostering a sense of responsibility while enhancing and protecting the area’s natural resources, promoting sustainability, and creating a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations.

Chair Damian Light says, “We know our community is passionate about protecting and restoring our local environment. Thanks to the incredible work of our park rangers, locals can contribute to the cause, turning this amazing passion into action.”

The board area has been heavily modified by human activity over the last 150 years.

Most of the land is urbanised (78%), only 6% of the area remains in native vegetation, primarily in bush reserves such as Point View Reserve, Murphy’s Bush and Mangemangeroa Reserve. However, it also has an abundance of open spaces – both formed and natural.

Light adds, “This is a key focus of our

Local Board plan, where we collaborate with our partners to protect and restore vulnerable ecological areas. We need only look to our parks and reserves such as Lloyd Elsmore and Barry Curtis Parks, Mangemangeroa, Te Naupata / Musick Point and Ohuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain, to acknowledge the vital role they play in protecting our biodiversity and the provision of habitats for many species of native flora and fauna.”

Through 10 local park planting events, everyone worked together to plant new trees that are expected to store around 10,757 tons of CO2 by 2050, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve the local environment.

Friends of Macleans Park planting.

“It’s fantastic to see the community coming together at these events, leaving a legacy that will change the landscape for the better,” says Light.

Some of the standout highlights of the 2024 winter planting season included:

• 11 local park volunteer groups / individuals

• 1,049 local park volunteer hours (equivalent to $29,162)

• 5 parks and reserves with animal pest control

• 1 school planting, and

• 500 plants planted in local parks.

Locals who want to learn more can contact mylocalpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Friends of Murvale Reserve planting.

Adopt-a-Park

A region-wide programme funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate that sees schools ‘adopt’ their local park and participate in a year-long series of ecological education and action initiatives.

This programme offers rangatahi (youth) in primary to secondary school the chance to explore nature, learn about biodiversity, cultural heritage, pest impacts, and engage in ecological restoration activities in their local park.

Stay connected

Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.

Source: Auckland Council

It was a warm December evening, and Santa Paws was busy preparing his sack of dog treats when he noticed something troubling: people giving puppies as surprise Christmas gifts.

“Ho ho ho… no!” he barked. “Let’s spread the word about a paws-itively responsible holiday!”

Santa Paws knows puppies are adorable but if you’re thinking of gifting a puppy to someone outside your household this Christmas, we would strongly advise against it.

Although it might seem like a heartwarming gesture, people need to decide for themselves when or if they are ready to take on this kind of responsibility. Puppies are a lifetime commitment, not a holiday whim.

Before introducing a puppy to your own household, think carefully about whether your property is suitably fenced, whether you can afford the expense of de-sexing and registration, vet bills, food and whether you have the time and energy to invest in daily exercise and care for your furry friend.

Councillor Josephine Bartley is chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee and adds that while humans can’t wait to enjoy the holiday season, it can be stressful for dogs.

“Excited children, extra visitors, festive decorations, noise and change of routine can be overwhelming for pets, and they may react unpredictably.

“So, parents, take the lead and always supervise children around dogs, even if it is a dog you know.”

Keep your dog safe this Christmas

Santa Paws has some other suggestions to keep your canine friend and your family safe around the holiday chaos and lessen the anxiety for everyone:

• Always supervise children and teach them how to behave around dogs; set boundaries for guests as to what is appropriate behaviour for them and for your dog; ensure there is a quiet space where the dog can retreat if the excitement gets too much

• If going away, ensure your dog is provided for; don’t leave it until the last minute to book a kennel; if leaving in someone’s care, be sure they know how to care for your pooch responsibly; they should know dog access rules for nearby parks and beaches, where to look for a dog should it go missing or where to report a lost dog and the importance of keeping it under control and contained to the property when at home.

• If you’re heading out of town with your dog, find out where the local off leash areas are or if street walking, remember to keep your dog on a leash. The same applies in your own neighbourhood.

• Try keeping to your dog’s usual routine as much as possible including keeping to a daily exercise and mealtime routine; this will help a dog feel more secure and reduce anxiety.

• The smell of festive feasting might have your dog salivating but foods like fatty ham, chocolate or raisins can be deadly; avoid any upsets by skipping the table treats and go with dog-safe goodies.

• A real Christmas tree looks and smells divine; keep gifts out of reach of dogs – waking up Christmas morning to a pile of paper and half chewed presents won’t be fun,

This holiday season let’s make tails wag for the right reasons—safety, love, and responsible decisions. Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a happy, healthy dog and safe and happy children!

Source: Auckland Council

As summer beckons, Aucklanders are invited to pack their picnic baskets, gather their friends and whānau, and head to the parks for a fun-filled season of free outdoor entertainment. Music and Movies in Parks, brought to you by Auckland Council, is set to deliver a show-stopping lineup of concerts and screenings across Tāmaki Makaurau. Mark your calendars now – this summer, we’ve packed you a picnic filled with the best local artists, blockbuster movies, and plenty of summer vibes!

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, celebrates the sense of community, diversity of music talent, and free family fun these events provide for Aucklanders over summer.

“With a wider and more diverse range of events than ever before, including performances from top local artists and blockbuster movies, these events reach far and wide across Tāmaki Makaurau and offer something for everyone to enjoy,” he says.

“This much-loved series of free events is a fantastic way to make the most of the long summer days and nights with your loved ones and enjoy our beautiful city affordably.”

Movies In Parks, Kingswood Road Reserve Papatoetoe

Movies in Parks: A star-studded film lineup and family fun

Running from 21 February 2025 until 15 March 2025, Movies in Parks is back with an exciting roster of films that will have you on the edge of your camp chair. The series features a mix of family-friendly films, blockbusters, and fan favourites, with a special surprise mystery movie to be revealed on 1 March 2025, supported by The Hits radio station and The New Zealand Herald. Bring a picnic or buy a feed from an array of food trucks and get ready for fun pre-movie entertainment for the whole whānau, before settling in under the stars for a unique cinematic experience – all for free in the great outdoors.

Among the standout titles in the 2025 lineup are some top-grossing box office hits, including Raya and the Last Dragon, the stunning animated fantasy, The War with Grandpa, where the battle for the best bedroom takes hilarious twists, and Wonka, a magical prequel to the beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story.

Music In Parks, Lloyd Elsmore Park Pakuranga

Music in Parks: The summer soundtrack of Aotearoa

Starting 11 January 2025, and running through to 6 April 2025, Music in Parks will feature a diverse range of New Zealand’s top musical talent, with something for every musical taste. From the electrifying beats of hip-hop to the contemporary sounds of indie-folk, the series will bring audiences the very best of local music under the sun.

Aucklanders can look forward to hearing headlining performances from some of the country’s most esteemed artists, including Rei, one of New Zealand’s prominent hip-hop artists, known for his smooth flow and impactful lyrics that blend Māori heritage with contemporary rap. Tali, a multi-award-winning drum and bass DJ and vocalist, will bring her high-energy performances to the stage. Check out Anna Coddington, a beloved figure in the indie-folk scene, known for her unique blend of pop, rock, and singer-songwriter influences.

Georgia Lines, who won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards, will also be performing, bringing her emotionally rich indie-pop hits to the parks. Last but not least, Jordyn With a Why, the rising star of New Zealand’s R&B scene, will deliver soulful, ethereal sounds that explore identity, culture, and te reo Māori.

Opera in the Park

Opera in the Park, Glover Park, St Heliers.

As well as returning to St Helier’s Glover Park, the annual crowd-favourite Opera in the Park is also heading to a brand-new location this summer – the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Set against the beautiful backdrop of flowers and foliage, this iconic opera event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an opera enthusiast or a first-time attendee, the combination of world-class performances and the serenity of the gardens will create a captivating evening for all.

Blues at Blockhouse Bay & Jazz at the Rotunda

Jazz at the Rotunda, Pukekawa Auckland Domain

For lovers of rhythm and blues and smooth jazz, two iconic events in the Music in Parks series are guaranteed to deliver memorable performances. Blues at Blockhouse Bay will feature the legendary Midge Marsden, one of New Zealand’s most influential blues musicians, alongside a lineup of New Zealand’s top session players. Meanwhile, Jazz at the Rotunda at Pukekawa Auckland Domain is an annual free jazz event that brings together top local talent. This summer’s event features Lady Larisa, an international jazz and soul singer, and Taylor Griffin, whose debut EP In Green reached the top 10 in the NZ Album Charts in 2024.

Plan your summer now, gather up your whānau, and join us for these fantastic, free community events across Tāmaki Makaurau – brought to you by Auckland Council. Whether you’re enjoying a movie in the park, dancing to live music, or soaking in the sounds of opera or jazz, there’s no better way to celebrate the season in Aotearoa.

For more information on Music in Parks events visit musicinparks.co.nz, and for the Movies in Parks line-up, head to moviesinparks.co.nz.

Music and Movies in Parks is supported by NZME’s iHeartRadio, The Hits, and The New Zealand Herald.

Source: Auckland Council

Christmas is just around the corner, and for most Aucklanders it’s time to come together with family and share kai and gifts. But not everyone is able to afford what many of us take for granted during the festive season.

Auckland Council is once again supporting the Auckland City Mission –Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland’s Angels appeal, to help people in the greatest need, celebrate Christmas.

The council is asking for unwrapped gift donations from the public to help ensure that those in need don’t miss out, so they can also have an enjoyable Christmas.

Collection points for food and gift donations will be in place at all Auckland Council libraries, and pools and recreation centres from 2 December.

Donations close on 19 December, allowing the Auckland City Mission team enough time to sort and pack donations, and get them to whānau in time for Christmas.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he’s proud of the contributions made by Aucklanders in previous years’ appeals and hopes the appeals will be supported again in 2024.

“It can be really tough for some families, with parents wanting to make Christmas Day a fun and festive event for their children, but some simply can’t afford to buy presents.

“Please think of those less well off than yourself this festive season and give what you can – even something little will go a long way to brightening up a child’s Christmas Day.”

Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson says there is a real need for food and gift donations this Christmas, as many Aucklanders struggle financially.”

“Aucklanders are generous and care for one another, so I encourage you to think about those who are doing it tough and donate. Your donation, no matter how small, will brighten up a fellow-Aucklander’s Christmas, whether they be an adult or a child.”

“A big thank you to Auckland Council for supporting the Mission again this Christmas, by ensuring Aucklanders are able to easily donate across the region.”

How to donate 

• You can leave your food or gift donation at a collection point at one of the council’s libraries, pools or leisure centres from 2 December.

• Drop off your gift at the Mission’s HomeGround, 195 Federal Street, Auckland Central – 9 December to 20 December Monday – Friday 12 noon to 6pm.

• Make a donation online via the Auckland’s Angels website.

What is needed? 

Food Parcel Items: below is a list of non-perishable items that go into Mission food parcels at Christmas time: 

• Christmas treats

• Tinned vegetables, such as tomatoes, corn, peas or beans

• Tinned soup

• Baked beans and tinned spaghetti

• Tinned fruit

• Tinned meat and fish

• Pasta sauce, pasta and rice

• Breakfast cereal and muesli bars

• Spreads, such as jam, peanut butter or honey

• Flour and sugar

• Bay food

• Nappies

• Toilet rolls

• Soap and shampoo

• Feminine hygiene products

• Deodorant

Gift Ideas 

Donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers are hugely appreciated. Please do not gift clothes as it is difficult to allocate sizes, or toys with batteries. Here are a few popular gift ideas: 

• Infants: rattles, night lights, bath toys, teething rings

• Toddlers: bath toys, puzzles, soft toys, Duplo, pull-along toys

• Primary school: puzzles, dress-ups, dolls/action figures, Lego, craft kits, toy cars, animal figurines 

• Teenagers: sports ball, scarfs, hats, beach towels, toiletries, gift voucher or Prezzy card

• Family/all ages: board games, books, stationery, reusable drink bottles, toiletries, gift voucher or Prezzy card.

For further information about Auckland’s Angels, visit the Auckland City Mission’s website.

Source: Auckland Council

New rules to help reduce the harm caused by alcohol are set to take effect in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

From 9 December, off-licences such as bottle shops, supermarkets and other shops that sell alcohol to take away, will no longer be able to sell alcohol after 9pm in a change introduced under Auckland’s new local alcohol policy.  

Councillor Josephine Bartley is chair of the region’s Regulatory and Safety Committee and says getting to this stage is an important milestone in helping to reduce alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour. 

“This change has been a long-time coming. Communities have been very clear that reducing the harm alcohol can cause to Aucklanders, their friends and families truly matters to them.  

“There’s also a significant safety aspect to this. Across Tāmaki Makaurau, alcohol-related crime and disorder is at its worst between 9pm and 1am. Evidence suggests most alcohol in New Zealand is sold at off-licences and drunk at home or other public places. Preventing alcohol from being purchased late at night simply means it’s less accessible to be consumed during this time.  

“The policy has received a huge amount of public support. There was applause in the council chamber when it was adopted.” 

The local alcohol policy was adopted unanimously by Auckland’s mayor and councillors in August 2024.  

Louise Mason, General Manager of Policy at Auckland Council says businesses and the public played a vital role in shaping a fair and reasonable policy that could help reduce levels of alcohol-related harm. 

“We heard from businesses that supported this change during the policy’s consultation period. Some were supportive of this change as it applies to all off-licences, and so keeps things fair and can be safer for staff members that work late at night. 

“The changes under the local alcohol policy have been introduced in stages to give businesses and their customers time to prepare. We’ve been keeping businesses informed since the policy was adopted in August.” 

What will change?  

From 9 December, there will be changes to the hours that alcohol can be sold at licensed shops, bars, restaurants and clubs.  

At licensed shops, such as supermarkets and bottle shops, alcohol can be sold no later than 9pm.  

Licensed bars and restaurants will be able to sell alcohol up until 4am in the city centre, and 3am outside of the city centre, as long as their licence currently permits them to do this.  

Sports clubs and RSAs will be able to sell alcohol until 1am if they are licensed to do so. 

The policy will not impact trading hours for special licences for festivals and events. These will continue to be assessed by the District Licensing Committee, as they are now. 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is celebrating yet another year of achieving world-class park management standards, as eight parks spanning close to 9000 hectares across Tāmaki Makaurau receive the prestigious Green Flag Award.

These international awards are given annually to parks and green spaces that meet rigorous quality benchmarks. Each park is carefully evaluated and visited by professional judges, who assess their safety, upkeep, sustainability, and appeal to the community.

Parks Committee chair, Councillor Ken Turner, says 23 Auckland sites have been recognised since the awards scheme was introduced in 2012, which reflects an exceptionally high standard across the region.

“It takes a lot of people to achieve these awards, and countless hours of work to create and maintain high quality green spaces that benefit both the environment and the community.

“The rewards are there to be enjoyed by all Aucklanders. Parks and outdoor green spaces provide endless opportunities to be active or relax, so make sure you explore some of these special sites with friends and family this summer,” says Cr Turner.

Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager for Parks and Community Facilities, credits the hard work and dedication from the council’s parks teams, volunteers and community groups for this year’s recognition.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to all those who have played a part in achieving eight Green Flags this year. The parks, cemeteries and maunga that have been recognised are standout examples of park management done particularly well.

“We are lucky to have 4000 parks in Auckland. There’s one in every neighbourhood and 28 outstanding regional parks. Each one of these helps make our region a great place to live and provides an important role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our communities,” Ms Crewe says.

Auckland’s award-winning Green Flag parks this year include:

Ātiu Creek Regional Park

Ātiu Creek Regional Park sits on the Okahukura (Taporapora) Peninsula to the eastern side of Kaipara Harbour. At 843 hectares, it is one of Auckland’s largest regional parks and the largest working farm. Green Flag judges noted that facilities are well maintained, with rangers who are willing to help. More than a third of the park is covered by mature and regenerating native forest, featuring tracks from 1-8kms long to explore on foot, mountain bike or horses. There is also a community-run plant nursery, and bookable accommodation for those that want to stay a bit longer.

The network of trails at Ātiu Creek Regional Park offer panoramic views of the Oruawharo River and Kaipara Harbour.

Hunua Ranges Regional Park – Western section of the park

Judges considered this site “a magnificent location with very dedicated and devoted staff working hard to present a superb destination park while ensuring the ongoing protection of some of its truly unique features”. Good information and procedures relating to Kauri dieback prevention were noted, along with strong community involvement in planting days and pest control programmes.

A forest walk in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.

Arataki: Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park

The visitor centre at Arataki on Scenic Drive was assessed in August during an anonymous site visit by Green Flag judges. The centre and staff both received high praise as a well-presented and welcoming site, worthy of both a Green Flag for the second consecutive year and for its reputation as a highly-valued community asset. This recognition comes not long after centre was forced to close in 2023 due to surrounding storm damage.

A scenic bush walk near the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Omana Regional Park

Located in Maraetai, Omana Regional Park is considered an ideal family park with a shell beach offering safe swimming at high tide, shady pōhutukawa, walks to farmland and an intriguing pā site. Judges noted the well-managed accessways and provision of a playground, well-placed and informative signage and a range of tracks for all abilities. It was clean, well-maintained and a popular destination.

Omana Regional Park’s playground is one of its many family-friendly attractions.

Wainoni Park

Greenhithe’s much loved local park has been recognised for its impressive arched metalwork entrance, cleanliness, a sense of safety and volunteer input. “The park seems well managed through the teamwork of the council staff, contractors, and the fantastic Friends of Wainoni Park volunteer group. It’s so great to see such a passionate and well-organised group taking the lead here,” judges commented. Wainoni Park features a playground, water play area, cricket nets and pitches, sports fields, picnic tables and walking paths, as well as a resident pony club. 

Wainoni Park provides a range of sport, relaxation and recreation options.

Waikumete Cemetery

Green Flag judges consider Waikumete Cemetery a beautiful, well-presented and well-managed open space that Aucklanders, cemetery associations, and the council can be proud of. The site provides a connection to the past and features walks with views of the city as well as remnant ecological spaces. Its spaces are well used and cared for by the community. “The pride and intrinsic care that goes into this space is apparent in the way it is presented. The site deserves to be acknowledged for its history, respected for its present state, and celebrated into the future.”

An ANZAC day ceremony takes place at dawn at Waikumete Cemetery.

North Shore Memorial Park (cemetery)

Located in Schnapper Rock, North Shore Memorial Park has received its third consecutive Green Flag this year. It is set in beautifully-landscaped grounds with rolling grassy slopes leading to picturesque Lucas Creek. Special areas of the cemetery have been established for different burial, cremation and memorial needs, and the staff on site aim to ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors.

North Shore Memorial Park provides a sanctuary for many visitors.

Maungawhau / Mt Eden 

Maungawhau/ Mt Eden has received its second consecutive Green Flag award this year in recognition of its local and national significance. Managed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, judges considered the landmark maunga to be a fascinating site, with informative signage and a well-used summit boardwalk extension to protect it. They acknowledged the challenges tour buses presented for traffic management and parking, as well as incredibly high visitor numbers. A high overall level of maintenance has been achieved despite these pressures.

Maungawhau / Mt Eden’s award-winning boardwalk.

• Green Flag Awards are given out each year and winners must re-apply to renew their Green Flag status.

• Find out more about the scheme at the Green Flag Award website.

Source: Auckland Council

Orchids at a cemetery?

Not the first place you’d think to look!

Cemeteries are generally thought of as solemn resting places, but at Waikumete Cemetery in west Auckland, between the headstones is a thriving world of beautiful native orchids.

The cemetery, owned and maintained by Auckland Council, is a gumland habitat, known for its low-fertility soil and challenging growing conditions, any yet it has curiously still proven to be a unique sanctuary for these delicate plants.

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says the 138-year-old historic site is a cornerstone facility in an area of national significance. Not only is it the largest cemetery in the country, being the final resting place for over 70,000 people, but it is also one of the largest public parks in the Auckland region. 

“Nestled at the base of the Waitākere Ranges, it is a place of beauty, tranquility and rich history that is enjoyed by many visitors. The beautiful native orchids are a unique attraction that add to the cemetery as a place of reflection and reverence,” Presland adds.

Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor (Flora) Emma Simpkins says the grounds are not just a resting place for people—they are a haven for some of the most threatened and quirkiest orchids around.

“There are about 25 species of native orchids here, and something is usually flowering between August and January.

“Orchids are fascinating—they’re one of the largest plant families globally, with 28,000 species. Each one has unique strategies for luring pollinators, from mimicking insects to releasing specific scents; it’s like a botanical masquerade ball,” explains Emma.

The Waikumete gumland habitat and its inhabitants are critically endangered, making conservation efforts vital.

“Weed management is key,” Emma emphasises.

“Exotic plants love open spaces like this, but they can outcompete native species like the orchids if left unchecked. It’s all about maintaining balance to protect these precious ecosystems.”

The juxtaposition of vibrant natural life thriving among the weathered gravestones highlights the dual role Waikumete plays as a place of remembrance and a haven for biodiversity.

“Who knew a cemetery could have so much life?” Emma says.

“It’s like nature’s way of reminding us, there’s always something blooming, even in unexpected places.”

Waikumete Cemetery’s orchids are a testament to the resilience of native species and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Orchids grow in specific conditions and have unique relationships with their habitat, so they should never be removed from the wild.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the site responsibly, discovering the unique beauty of this sanctuary while respecting its environmental, cultural and historical significance.

Waikumete Cemetery was recently awarded a coveted and internationally recognised Green Flag award, a testament to the quality of the cemetery as an accessible and highly maintained green space, which judges said was a credit to Aucklanders and the council.

Source: Auckland Council

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board workshops will be open digitally to the public from December.

A number of Tāmaki Makaurau’s 21 boards already hold open workshops, with Maungakiekie-Tāmaki next to welcome the public to view these workshops online.

The workshops are non-decision-making meetings, that cover oversight and delivery of projects in their work programme, such as updates on events, funding, and asset renewals.

Chair Maria Meredith says the move to open the workshops follows the Ombudsman’s Open for Business report – recommending an open-by-default approach to workshops.

“From December our workshops will be available to be viewed online for members of the public, this will provide more context and clarity around the decisions that we make.

“Open workshops also help paint a wider picture of how local board and local government operates, and how our local board members receive information from the wide range of partners, stakeholders and organisations we work with.”

Any closed items will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Workshops for Auckland Council’s Governing Body – the mayor and councillors – are also being made open to the public by recording and uploading video to council’s website.

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