Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Next year promises to be a pivotal one for environmental restoration around Okoromai Bay and O Mahurangi (Penlink), where ambitious ecological projects led by Auckland Council will transform these landscapes into thriving habitats.

The work begins in February with the restoration of the Waterfall Gully stream terminus at Okoromai Bay in Shakespear Regional Park; an undertaking to reconnect the wetland with the bay and bring a long-lost ecological link back to life.

Chair of the Parks Committee Ken Turner says this restoration work is just one part of a larger effort to offset ecological losses caused by infrastructure developments.

“Any development has an impact on the natural environment and the scale of this impact means we need to strike a balance by revegetating or protecting land elsewhere and these two projects aim to do that,” Mr Turner says.

Currently, the Waterfall Gully stream is culverted under the amenity lawn area, its flow constrained along the path of a World War II anti-tank ditch. Flood events still expose its hidden route in the grass depressions, hinting at the stream’s original course.

The upcoming restoration project, commencing on 10 February, will ‘daylight’ the waterway, restoring it to its former natural path and reinstating more normal tidal flow. This will improve the ecological health of the area, creating a more vibrant wetland habitat.

Fulton Hogan Land Development, in partnership with specialist consultants Woods and RMA Ecology, will spearhead the stream’s restoration, working onsite with Hicks Construction.

In addition to the stream restoration, the project will feature the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the revitalised stream, improving accessibility for visitors while protecting the restored habitat.

Extensive landscape planting will line the stream’s edges, helping to stabilise and naturalise the area. This process, scheduled to be completed by mid-May, will also involve some minor alterations to the amenity lawn area, including reconfigured car parking and minor adjustments to dog access. Some exotic trees will be removed, though the beloved pōhutukawa will remain, alongside new plantings.

The second project running simultaneously with Okoromai Bay, is the O Mahurangi offset, which involves a massive revegetation effort in winter 2025, covering approximately 38 hectares.

Auckland Council’s Manager Regional Parks Scott De Silva says large areas of pasture will be retired to make way for new forest and wetland habitats, creating vital connections for wildlife across the open sanctuary.

“The reduction in pastureland will result in a decrease in grazing sheep, with the flock size dropping from 416 ewes to around 300.

“The reduction in pasture will allow for habitat gains, with native birds like the bellbird, tūī, kererū, and kiwi benefitting from the new forest corridors, while wetlands will support species like native fish and the endangered banded rail,” De Silva adds.

Both projects reflect a broader vision for ecological offsets, where the loss of native habitat due to development is mitigated by creating or enhancing habitats elsewhere. These initiatives promise not only to restore natural systems but also to create a sustainable and biodiverse future for Okoromai Bay and Shakespear Open Sanctuary.

Source: Auckland Council

An unassuming old storage building in downtown Auckland has been given a surprising new role – a welcoming place for people experiencing homelessness. 

The new space is called Manaaki Tangata, which means to show hospitality and care to people.  

Manaaki Tangata is a collaboration between Auckland Council, Eke Panuku and Māori Wardens to respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our city centre.  

Auckland Council’s Regional Partnerships Lead for Homelessness, Ron Suyker, explains the need for this facility.  

“Our most vulnerable can come to Manaaki Tangata, have a shower and some food, store their belongings, and ultimately the hope is we can connect them to other services available to help them.” 

“People experiencing homelessness tend to stick to quite a confined area, as they may be sick or have injuries, have no shoes or just not enough energy to travel far. So, providing a facility that is local to them is really important.  

“Demand is also increasing for these kinds of services. The shifts that laundry and shower service Orange Sky run out of Auckland City Mission are the busiest in the country, with demand up by over 300 per cent in Tāmaki Makaurau when compared to last year.”  

Māori Warden Matarora Smith is one of the coordinators of volunteers at Manaaki Tangata, welcoming those in need from 10am to 5pm every day.  

Matarora explains the importance of spaces like Manaaki Tangata as a touch point for those in need.  

“For some, it might be their first time on the street, they’ve done something to get themselves kicked out and they literally have nowhere to go. It’s a very scary reality having nowhere to go.” 

Matarora says this is when they’re most at risk. 

“Some of these people might not have a drinking or drug problem yet, but to survive on the street they end up with one, after being welcomed in by that group.”  

“That’s where we come in. Before they can make the wrong choice, we can take them off the street, give them a hot meal, give them the chance to have a wash and then get them connected into the services on offer.” 

“Sometimes just getting people that help, helps them to make that good decision.” 

Matarora is passionate about protecting our most vulnerable, particularly wāhine, and says it comes from the way she was raised and just part of what it means to be Māori.   

“I come from a family of 13 with eight sisters, and my mother also had a big family with eight sisters. We were raised to voice our opinions, to put our brothers in their place, to be strong and to also look after people. Our family’s house was the place where nieces and nephews would come if they needed help.”  

“It doesn’t matter if it’s family or a stranger, I’ve been raised to look after those around me. It’s the way we are brought up as Māori. Our ancestors have done it, our kuia kaumātua have done it, you carry it on. It is just something you’re born with and it is in you. You go the extra mile.” 

Ron Suyker further explains the role Auckland Council plays in tackling homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“Auckland Council’s role is to be a supporter of the sector. We are not front-line responders, social workers or housing providers; we are enablers of those who do this work, to do it better. We use a partnerships approach and support through funding and facilitating collaboration across organisations to make homelessness as rare, brief and non-re-occurring as possible.”  

Local support in your area 

Learn more about the housing providers in your area, and seek out foodbanks, budgeting services, community meal providers, and support groups and see how you can donate or volunteer, enabling them to better support our homeless and housing vulnerable community.  
 
Read more about Auckland Council’s commitment to reducing homelessness. 

Source: Auckland Council

The Māngere West Cycling Improvements (MWCI) project is all about making it easier and safer to get around by bike – whether it’s for work, school, Auckland Airport, heading to the local town centre or to nearby areas.

It links Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge with Māngere Town Centre and connects to the existing shared path to the airport along George Bolt Memorial Drive via:

• traffic calming along quieter back streets in Māngere Bridge

• a protected two-way cycleway on busier streets heading south towards Māngere Town Centre

• improvements to pedestrian crossings and bus stops.

Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says, “Māngere is a unique, vibrant and fast-growing community. The rapid growth in housing and employment in Māngere makes it a high-priority community for transport investment. The area requires better-connected routes to improve access to the Airport, which can only be achieved by offering a wider range of transportation options for how people can get to it.”

Following a 2020 consultation, the community expressed a desire for more involvement in shaping improvements. In 2022, AT hosted forums with residents, businesses, mana whenua, and community groups to align their input with AT’s goals. These sessions led to a preferred route and design, followed by public consultation on the revised plans in late 2023.

Overall, the feedback on the proposed cycle improvements was positive, where 52% strongly agreed / agreed that they would use the proposed cycleway once it is built and over 60% of the respondents agreed that the proposed cycleway would make it easier and safer for people.

AT have praised the boards efforts and passion for safe, accessible transport has been a driving force behind these projects.

Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich adds, “Big changes are happening across wider Māngere. Construction of a brand-new shared path through Māngere Centre Park is nearly complete. By December, it will seamlessly link Robertson Road cycleway to the shared path in Moyle Park, which connects directly to Bader Drive.

“Early next year, Auckland Transport will consult on walking and cycling improvements in the Favona area as part of creating a fully connected network.

“The bigger picture? Safer, healthier, and more accessible walking and cycling routes that link Māngere to Ōtāhuhu, Onehunga, Middlemore Hospital, the Airport, and beyond. Together, we’re building a future where active, sustainable travel is at the heart of a vibrant, connected Māngere. It’s exciting to see this vision taking shape.”

Most of the proposed route features a separate cycleway to protect cyclists from traffic. Suggested secure bike parking locations include areas around Māngere Bridge Village and Māngere Town Centre, with further improvements planned near the Māngere Mountain Education Centre and Māngere Bridge School.

Artist impression of the new signalised crossing between the motorway onramp roundabout and the petrol station on McKenzie Road.

MWCI is the final part of the Short-term Airport Access Improvements programme, developed and funded by Auckland Transport (AT) and Waka Kotahi. This programme has already delivered the early construction of Puhinui Station, and bus priority lanes on Lambie Drive, Manukau and Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe.

Construction is set to commence in late summer 2025.

Auckland Transport will be working with our community partners, Triple Teez Bike Hub, to activate cycling programmes that educate and empower the community. These initiatives will help improve bike access and cycling skills. Photo credit: Auckland Transport.

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Source: Auckland Council

Waiheke is known for its world-class beaches, vineyards and adventure tourism but, long a haven of some of Aotearoa’s most talented artists and artisans, this little piece of paradise has plenty of budget-friendly options for visitors looking to explore the art and culture of this unique spot. 

Waiheke Community Art gallery

This gorgeous space displays the work of leading contemporary artists from across Aotearoa while showcasing the unique vision of Waiheke artists and artisans. The gallery shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted artworks, making it an ideal spot to pick up a unique treasure or keepsake for you or a friend.

Waiheke Musical Museum

History and music come alive at Aotearoa’s only interactive musical museum. This place is truly special and could only exist on Waiheke. Take a tour with dedicated volunteers as they play rare antique instruments, immersing you in the history of this one-of-a-kind collection.

Artworks Theatre

The centre of performing arts on the island, Artworks covers everything from local improv troupes, community classes and short play festivals to hosting international musical artists and festivals. There’s always something cool happening in this spot. Make sure to check out their Creative Sundays series this February.

Pride Picnic 2021. Courtesy Peter Rees Photography.

Waiheke Museum and Heritage Village

This volunteer-run museum tells the story of Waiheke’s colonial past through a unique collection of items donated over decades. The past truly comes to life when visiting one of the three relocated historical homes near the museum space, completely kitted out to transport you back to the Aotearoa of old. Buckets of charm for the whole family with plenty to keep historians happy as well.

Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre

The home of community arts on Waiheke Island since 1952, this much-loved centre offers mentored pottery classes, spinning and weaving groups, life drawing and much more in a warm, friendly space. A treat for boffins and beginners alike to create art, craft, friendship and community. 

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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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