Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Community organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau take note – Auckland Council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants open today, 27 November 2023, with a pool of $295,000 available to support community-led projects that help build inclusive and vibrant communities.

Mirla Edmundson, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Connected Communities says the grant programme’s aim is to build an Auckland where diversity is celebrated and all Aucklanders have a sense of belonging.

“This regional programme commits funding that supports a range of activities relating to whānau financial security, improving health outcomes and growing community connections.

“The fund invests in activities that fulfil Auckland Council’s obligation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In the last round of funding three Māori organisations were funded a total of 27 per cent of the allocated fund.”

In the previous funding round, Auckland Council approved grants for 13 organisations. These included the Island Base Trust – a youth mentoring project for Māori and Pasifika; the UMMA Trust – a empowerment programme for Muslim women refugees and Auckland Disability Law, which offers free legal services for disabled people on disability related legal issues.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says Auckland Council is proud to support community organisations in Tāmaki Makaurau that want to make a difference.

“These grants are for regionally significant groups, services, events and activities that benefit residents across Auckland.

“We welcome community organisations in Auckland who want to have a tangible positive impact on their communities to apply for a grant.”

Grants of up to $60,000 are available for projects that help us support thriving communities, with applications open until 26 January 2024.

Find out more

The full eligibility criteria and funding priorities are explained in the Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants Guidelines, available on the Auckland Council website.

Key dates

Applications are open from 27 November 2023 until 26 January 2024.

Funding decisions will be announced in April 2024.

The Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Strategy 2023-2024 document is available on the Auckland Council website.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council and City Rail Link Limited (CRLL) are delighted to announce that they will be reinstating the plaza behind the Waitematā Station (Britomart), with work starting next year. The plaza will function as an entrance and exit to the station, while also providing a relaxed place for people to meet, with easy access in and out of the central city area.

The station plaza will be constructed in conjunction with the upgrade of Tyler Street, matching the design of Galway Street, completing the section between Te Komititanga and Commerce Street. This is the next key piece in creating a high-quality network of public and shared spaces, encompassing the Britomart precinct, the Waitematā Station, Te Komititanga, Commercial Bay, Tyler, and Galway Streets and Takutai Square.

This is another big milestone and will mark the end of the City Rail Link’s work at the station, as part of the major City Rail Link infrastructure project that will transform Auckland’s public transport network.

City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Dr Sean Sweeney, says the temporary station buildings will be removed in the new year, making room for the reinstated plaza. “The temporary station buildings allowed us to successfully complete some amazing world-class engineering work inside the Chief Post Office to get the Waitematā Station (Britomart) ready for CRL. One job done and we are now delighted to clear the way for the plaza as the next big step for one of Auckland’s most historic buildings that will play a big part in the city’s transport future,” Dr Sweeney says.

The plaza design was developed with mana whenua and finalised following engagement with neighbouring properties, stakeholders, and the station community. It reflects the history of the Waitematā foreshore, both past and present. Design elements include the mingling of salt with fresh water, where Te Waihorotiu meets the Waitematā, and the abundance of life. It also acknowledges that this place welcomes people from many types of waka, arriving by sea, by train and by bus. The pavement design is inspired by the rich abundance of shellfish, ​mimicking the shallows of the Waitematā Harbour with dappled light and reflective qualities.

Eight native trees will be planted around the edge of the plaza. There will also be a large central seating area and station ‘lid’ designed in partnership with mana whenua which will support the meeting of people. The plaza is designed to be for people, with no vehicle access. Along with the trees, seats and bicycle racks, bollards will be installed around the plaza edge to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

City Rail Ltd’s Design and Delivery Manager, Simon Lough says, “Designing the plaza presented a unique challenge as it serves as the roof of Waitematā Station, with the platforms situated below. This has posed limitations, particularly in terms of plant growth and water leakage from the fountain above. Despite these challenges, our design teams, in collaboration with mana whenua, have developed a design that honours the rich history of the Waitematā foreshore, incorporating both past and present elements.”

John Watson, Chair of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, says, “The reinstatement of the plaza and the upgrade to Tyler Street is the jewel in the crown for the Britomart precinct in Auckland’s central city. These important works are guided by the City Centre Masterplan which seeks to create a pedestrian-scale city, full of beautiful public spaces in an expanding laneway network.”

CRL will begin removing temporary structures sitting over the station early in the new year. Auckland Council is aiming to begin construction of the plaza and Tyler Street in April 2024 with likely completion early-mid 2025. The council group is committed to managing the impacts of construction on people who are living, working, and travelling through the area.

This momentum of change throughout the city centre, is supported by Auckland Council’s investment of the city centre targeted rate (CCTR). 

Read the CCTR 2022 / 23 report here

Source: Auckland Council

A bold, world-class mixed-use precinct in the city centre is set to complete the revitalisation of downtown Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Eke Panuku Development Auckland and Precinct Properties have signed a development agreement for the redevelopment of the Downtown Car Park site, the last remaining under-used and strategically significant site in the area.

The precinct will include premium commercial, retail and hospitality offerings, drawing thousands of workers and visitors to the area every day. It will also include hundreds of new homes, growing the city centre’s stature as an urban neighbourhood that tens of thousands of Aucklanders already call home.

At ground level, the precinct will feature expansive public laneways and spacious internal courtyards, seamlessly connecting to Britomart (through Commercial Bay) and the Viaduct. This will complete the downtown laneway network as envisioned in the City Centre Masterplan, with more opportunities to connect with midtown in the future.

The redevelopment of the site will deliver on a number of key outcomes identified in the City Centre Masterplan by Auckland Council. These include more transit-oriented development and greater unity between the city centre and waterfront (called the “harbour edge stitch”), public realm improvements and the development of new mixed-use destinations.

Classified as earthquake-prone, the existing car park will require between $20m-$30m to remediate in the coming years, on a structure that is now for the most part 55 years old. The car park is also under-used.

By leveraging the already significant investment in the city centre through the Auckland Council group, central government and private sector, the redevelopment of the site will contribute significantly to the creation of a vibrant, exciting, and environmentally sustainable waterfront that is a thriving residential and employment centre and a world-class place to live, work, visit and do business.

With growing demand for high quality office space in Auckland’s city centre, more commercial floorspace will be a welcome addition to New Zealand’s most important economic hub.  It will allow enterprising businesses to locate themselves in close proximity to the best talent and best complementary businesses in the country.

Construction is not expected to start until 2026 at the earliest, with the car park operating as normal until then.

Eke Panuku Chair Paul Majurey is excited by the contribution developments like this will make to the city: “This agreement represents significant value for Auckland Council and Aucklanders. Eke Panuku applauds the vision of Precinct and its partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for this site.  The commitment to the shared vision of a prosperous, sustainable city centre is evident in the design and echoes what Precinct have already delivered at Commercial Bay. “Eke Panuku has been leading the way in delivering a rejuvenated waterfront in Wynyard Quarter, driven by the recognition and acknowledgement of the waterfront and Waitematā Harbour as ancestral taonga and significant cultural landscapes for mana whenua.

“Now we can put the next piece of the puzzle in place, as we reconnect the city centre to our waterfront in downtown Tāmaki Makaurau. Along with other ambitious city-shaping projects like Te Ara Tukutuku, and reconnecting the public to the port land, our city has an exciting future.”

Partnership

Precinct says it’s proud of delivering world-class, transformational outcomes, in line with the masterplan for the city centre, and in partnership with the city, as seen with Commercial Bay and Wynyard Quarter.

“This is an incredible, once in a generation opportunity to enhance the vibrancy of Auckland’s city centre, and to create a seamless connection along the waterfront.” Scott Pritchard, chief executive officer of Precinct Properties said. “Our ambition is to deliver a true mixed-use precinct encompassing office, residential, and hospitality as well as new urban spaces for residents and the public.”

Precinct is partnering with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on the project, ensuring it will be uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau and uniquely inspired by te ao Māori.

Ngarimu Blair, deputy chair of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust said: “Ngāti Whātua are excited about the opportunity to work alongside Precinct on a development of this size, scale and significance. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as tangata whenua of the site, has worked with Precinct to create a partnership covering commercial, design and social elements of the development, with a view to achieving real outcomes for Māori.”

Transport

The precinct will be one of the best-connected locations in Auckland, with Waitematā Station (Britomart) and the recently upgraded Downtown Ferry Terminal only a 5-minute walk away, and Te Waihorotiu Station (soon to be the country’s busiest train station) only a 10-minute walk up Albert Street. The Lower Albert Street bus interchange is just around the corner, only a 2-minute walk along Customs Street West or Quay Street. Cycleways along Customs Street West and Quay Street also provide excellent connectivity for those on two wheels.

The City Rail Link (CRL) will double the city’s rail network capacity, carrying 54,000 passengers per hour. Planned improvements for the bus network, set to align with the opening of CRL, will see transport options continue to improve in the coming years. Buses already form the backbone of the public transport network in the city centre, with only 450 buses bringing the same number of people into the city every morning as 30,000 cars.

There are also approximately 4,400 public car parks within a 5-minute (500m) walk of the site, and approximately 12,300 car parks within a 7-10 minute (750m) walk. These will continue to provide access to the wider downtown area for those who have to, or choose to drive. These include a mix of short stay, long stay and leased, allowing for a range of different uses.

The redevelopment of the site also envisages a number of wider transport outcomes as requested by Auckland Council when it approved the sale. These include new on-street bus and public space improvements, made possible through the possible removal of the Lower Hobson Street flyover. Auckland Council will decide through its long-term plan process whether to incorporate and fund these outcomes as part of the redevelopment of the area as a whole.

Auckland Council’s Governing Body has decided to remove a proposed public micro-mobility hub as a required outcome. Analysis has shown that more cost-effective alternative future options are available and most of the demand for such a facility will be provided for in the new precinct itself, along with new developments and retrofitted buildings nearby making provision for similar facilities.

Key features

The initial design for the precinct consists of a central podium with two towers above, subject to further refinement and consenting processes.

• The design will enable direct, convenient and publicly accessible connections through to Britomart and the Viaduct

• Sector-leading integrated sustainability with a ‘whole-of-life’ approach, from construction through to operation, including benchmark Home- and Green Star ratings

• Social procurement commitments, which aim to provide quality employment opportunities to the under-employed, with a key focus on increasing access for Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses

• The developer has committed to provide 200 additional short-stay public car parks in the Commercial Bay precinct

Source: Auckland Council

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office says while many Aucklanders have moved on with their lives, there are also many homeowners still grappling with the storm impacts and large-scale infrastructure efforts will continue for years. 

Auckland Council is leading the recovery, with co-funding support from Government. So far, the scope of work includes over $2 billion of flood recovery and resilience works across transport and water infrastructure, and targeted support for private properties where there is an intolerable risk to life.

Key progress to date:

• 1838 out of 3425 infrastructure and facility projects were completed as of 31 October 2023, including 53 per cent of transport and 48 per cent of parks and facilities

• The number of placards indicating an immediate risk at a property has decreased from 5382 placards in June across the region, to 1290 in November (with 209 red remaining)

• Around 2190 properties have registered for flooding and landslip categorisation under the Government’s framework, with more expected to opt-in

• Within this pipeline, over 1300 desktop assessments and 900 site visits have been undertaken to assess a potential intolerable risk to life

• 321 property owners have been provided with final property categories, and some with interim categories, with confirmations now expected on a consistent basis

• A team of dedicated navigators across the region is providing one-on-one guidance for affected residents and connecting them with the support they need.

“We are working to set up a $2 billion-plus action plan for the country’s biggest city, to address thousands of infrastructure and property issues, in a short space of time,” says Mat Tucker, Group Recovery Manager, Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office.

“With a lot at stake, getting it right now will ensure we achieve the best possible balance between safety, equity, practicality, and what ratepayers can afford.”

The Recovery Office has proactively released a suite of decision documents relating to the setting up of new policies, systems, and operational schemes for the recovery. This includes bringing to life the Government’s new framework to assist private property owners in specific situations where there is an ‘intolerable risk to life’.

Grants for 2P mitigations confirmed

Yesterday the Auckland Council Governing Body confirmed how homeowners will receive financial support for Category 2P properties, where there are options to reduce the future risk from flooding or landslide through changes to the property such as raising the house or building a retaining wall.

The council will offer Category 2P property owners a grant to support them to reduce the risk to a tolerable level. About 100 to 120 properties are expected to be in the 2P category, and the cost of the grants scheme will be shared with the Government.

The 2P mitigation scheme is based on two grants:

• a design and consent grant to help homeowners obtain the necessary technical advice, consents and confirm the project feasibility

• a construction grant supporting the homeowner to undertake the consented works.

The grants are up to a maximum of 25% of the Capital Value (CV) of the property, and the works must be completed within two years to meet the 2P category criteria. The homeowner is responsible for gaining the relevant consents and sourcing tradespeople to undertake the work. Details will be provided to those in the pipeline next week.

Property categorisation

“We are well into our property categorisation programme, and with the key foundations now in place, more flooding-related category decisions will be made in the coming weeks,” says Mr Tucker.

“Confirmed Category 3 property owners are starting voluntary buyout conversations with us, while confirmed Category 1 owners now have the reassurance they needed to carry on with their lives. In many other cases, further investigation is needed, for example to determine if there are potential fixes to mitigate an intolerable risk to life, and if those are feasible.”

With the volume of properties and complexity involved, most property owners in the pipeline won’t receive their final category until 2024. Property assessment work is expected to continue until March, with category confirmations through to mid-year 2024 – but with most geotechnical and priority situations completed sooner.

A challenging time

“We feel the heavy weight of what people are going through. Many won’t have a stable home leading into Christmas which is clearly a terrible situation to be in,” Mr Tucker says.

“A big challenge we face is that councils aren’t set up or resourced to address storm damage at private properties, and most definitely not at the combination of scale and speed needed in Auckland.

“But we are throwing everything we can into this, from every angle we can. And we are working with our partners to maximise the support options that are in place over this period.

“We encourage residents who need support to contact our Navigators who can work with them one-on-one through the process and connect them with the various agencies providing assistance.”

A disputes process has also been set up, providing an avenue for property owners to dispute their category or market valuation. More information on the recovery programme can be found at ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recovery.

View the latest Auckland Recovery Update here

Source: Auckland Council

A new lease for the Manukau Indian Association means it can proceed with building a community centre at Hillside Park in Papatoetoe.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavai says the group has been granted a lease variation that makes the level of investment needed practical.

“Granting a new lease with a further 10-year right of renewal provides the security needed to make spending a significant sum of money worthwhile.

“We are delighted to accommodate that because the Indian community is such a vital part of who we are here in Ōtara -Papatoetoe.”

The centre will be built predominantly within the footprint of the existing community centre, a structure facing major building issues and no longer even fit for purpose.

“It will provide a brilliant new amenity that will revive a lot of the association’s activities, now scaled back with the current hall unsafe,” Autagavaia says.

“Hillside Park carpark is currently being renewed, work that involves removing carparks along the driveway, and nearby fencing, to provide more usable space for the community.

“Allowing a longer lease enhances the association’s ability to provide valuable services, while maintaining access to Hillside Park.”

The board also approved the removal of the entire fence around the carpark and its replacement with bollards.

The current centre was acquired by the Manukau City Council in 2010 and the association purchased it a year later, entering into a ground lease.

Recent inspections found the building should not be used by groups larger than 25, forcing the association to scale back activities.

 “One of our aims is that we have a thriving, inclusive and safe community, and seeing the association return to its best will help that happen,” Autagavaia says.

Concept drawings here.

Stay connected

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?

Sign up for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board E-News and get it in your inbox each month. 

Source: Auckland Council

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office (Recovery Office) is pleased to announce that on 20 November we launched the Storm Recovery Community Grant programme to support community-led recovery initiatives. The new programme provides grants of up to $10,000 each to residents’ groups and collectives to ensure they have the resources they need to continue the important work they have been doing.

“We know from local and international examples that the most successful disaster recoveries are led and resourced by local communities,” says Group Community and Social Recovery Lead, Linda Greenalgh.

“Since the weather events, we’ve seen extraordinary examples from across Tāmaki Makaurau of residents coming together to provide support, practical assistance and to advocate for the needs and aspirations of their communities. We want to ensure they have the resources they need to continue doing this wonderful work.”

The first grant round will run from Monday 20 November until Monday 11 December, with a second round opening in early 2024. The programme’s grant criteria reflect that each affected community has unique needs, and even the needs of the micro-neighbourhoods within communities can vary greatly.

For example, residents’ groups can apply for a grant to help provide their communities with the practical support they need here and now – whether that’s to run workshops on house repair or tenancy advocacy, for administrative or facilitation support, or to deliver a series of neighbourhood events to build resilience and connections. It might be a mix of a number of these things!

“We recognise recovery needs vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and trust that communities know best what they need. We want to harness the creativity and lived experience of communities and we’re excited to see the different ways the funding is used in different communities,” says Greenalgh.

How to apply

You can apply for a Storm Recovery Community Grant using our Smarty Grants form. The first funding round is open from 20 November – 11 December. We will contact successful applicants by Friday 22 December. We will open a second grant round in early 2024.

To read more about who qualifies for the grant, please download the guidelines from the Smarty Grants link above and see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section below.

FAQs

What is a residents’ group?

A residents’ group is a group of residents and businesses in a suburb or neighbourhood who want to advocate for or support their local community.

For example, a residents’ group may coordinate ‘street chats’ to support connection and mental wellbeing, walking school buses, youth activities or address safety concerns. They may also organise local community events, like fairs or street BBQs, or make submissions to their local council about issues affecting their community. To be eligible, the group must be set up as an Incorporated Society or Charitable Trust, or supported by a larger group that is. The Recovery Office can help smaller groups identify a suitable ‘umbrella’ group if necessary.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to all residents’ groups and community organisations who are supporting residents’ groups within, and working closely with, flood and landslide-affected communities.

We are only able to pay Incorporated Societies or Charitable Trusts, so if you are not affiliated as an Incorporated Society or Charitable Trust, you will need to find an organisation that is willing to ‘umbrella’ your application and funding on your behalf. If you need help to find an umbrella organisation, please contact the Recovery Office’s Storm Recovery Liaison for your area – you can find their details in the table at the bottom of this story.

Working with an umbrella organisation enables a smaller group to work on projects without having to take on the costs and responsibilities of becoming incorporated. It can also help to obtain funding.

The umbrella group may also receive and pass on any money to a group within its structure, possibly charging a handling or administration fee for its services.

If there is more than one residents’ group in a community, we will look at ways you may be able to work together to meet the different needs within your community.

How much can you apply for?

You can apply for grants up to $10,000, which includes any potential administration fees to the umbrella organisation.

What can the grant be used for?

The Recovery Office is providing this funding to ensure flood and landslide-affected residents’ groups have the resources they need to continue doing the wonderful work they have been doing.

We recognise the needs vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and this is why we have ensured these groups can use the funding in whatever ways their communities need.

As above, this may look like:

• Activities to support connection now, to plan for the future and provide the means for how to continue their Recovery.

• Regular neighbourhood events to build resilience and connections

• Paying a coordinator to facilitate regular community meetings and communications support.

Please note these grants are not intended for:

• Individual homes

• Rebuilds, repairs or adaptations

• Not for resilience/preparedness or response plans

• Natural and built environment initiatives or projects

When do applications for the two rounds of applications open and close?

Applications for the first round of funding open on Monday 20 November, and will close on the Monday 11 December. We will notify successful applicants by 22 December.

Applications for the second funding round will open in early 2024. We will provide more information about this funding round closer to the time.

Source: Auckland Council

A history of a successful conservation project put to paper.

That’s how Lenny van Heugten describes her book of the herculean effort by Auckland Council staff, Department of Conservation and volunteers to bring the kōkako population back from the brink in the Hūnua Ranges.

It’s a remarkable story of a 30-year conservation effort that’s seen 25 birds back in the early nineties, where there was just one breeding pair to, at last count in 2022, a record breaking 259 pairs.

Auckland Council’s Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Richard Hills says the success of the project is testament to the commitment of many over a long period of time.

“The Kōkako Management Area (KMA) project has seen the result of perseverance and dedication. With almost 500 birds recorded in the KMA now, it shows the project’s success is down to a combination of huge volunteer efforts plus significant public investment over a sustained period.

“Losing these birds was not an option; the decision to invest in protecting the kōkako has delivered remarkable results and highlights why we should continue to support the programme. It is a tribute to the pest control work of generations of volunteers and council staff and their hard work.”

Van Heugten has a personal connection with the project having explored the Hūnua Ranges with her parents from an early age, later helping her father as a volunteer with baiting.

“Throughout my life while growing up, I met and became inspired by many of the humble people I ended up interviewing in the process of writing the book. It was an honour to ensure their stories were recorded.

“I’m passionate about the contribution community and volunteers can make to conservation on a variety of levels, and those efforts should not go unnoticed.

“This book has spurred people to talk with a renewed sense of pride about what the project has achieved and to tell their stories of their ancestors in the area and I hope it motivates and aids the success of other conservation projects around the country.”

Auckland Council’s General Manager of Environmental Services Rachel Kelleher says documenting one of council’s conservation success stories is a legacy for the future.

“The kōkako recovery programme shows conservation at its best, where, through the hard work of predator control and habitat restoration, we’ve been able, council, mana whenua, Department of Conservation and community to ensure these rare and most striking of birds flourish once more.”

The book will be launched at the Auckland Botanic Gardens on Friday 24 November 2023. Copies can be purchased here

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland stretches across a geographically diverse area uniquely positioned between two harbours, meaning our coastal areas are peppered with beautiful beaches. Here are five stunning shorelines that are sure to keep you cool, whether you’re swimming in the sea or kicking back in the shade. 

Explore rock pools at Anchor Bay, Tāwharanui Regional Park

Anchor Bay is a crisp white arc of sand studded with rock formations, creating sparkling pools where sea creatures lurk. The pristine water here also makes for excellent snorkelling. From the bay, you can explore Tāwaharanui’s various trails and spot native birds like kākā, pāteke and even takahē.

To make the most of your visit, stay at the Tāwharanui campground. If you venture out on the park’s walking trails in the evening, you might even spot a kiwi! 

Tāwharanui Regional Park

Enjoy a beach getaway in Ōrewa

Long and lively Ōrewa Beach is a top choice for families. There’s plenty of space to set up chilly bins, towels and beach umbrellas, and the gentle waves are great for boogie boarding. You can also enjoy views as you amble along the Te Ara Tahuna / Ōrewa Estuary Path.

Starting at the southern end of the beach, the 7.6km trail can be walked or cycled by all ages – and it also loops past the skate park, which can be a fun stop for kids. Ōrewa Holiday Park, located mere steps from the sand, offers camping and cabin accommodation for an extended trip. 

Cheltenham Beach, Devonport

Cornwallis, Titirangi 

Bordering the Waitākere Ranges, Cornwallis is a popular spot for swimming. The beach has a boat ramp, picnic tables and toilets and plenty of space for sports and activities. And if you have a self-contained-certified (SCC) campervan or motorhome, you can book a spot for the night. 

While there, visit the 200m-long restored wharf, the last survivor of 16 that hosted the Manukau’s long-gone ferries. From Cornwallis Road, a five-minute walk leads to the graves of three sailors who drowned when HMS Orpheus foundered on the harbour bar in 1863. Bordering the Waitākere Ranges, Cornwallis is a popular spot for swimming. 

The beach has a boat ramp, picnic tables and toilets and plenty of space for sports and activities. And if you have a self-contained-certified (SCC) campervan or motorhome, you can look a spot for the night. 

Picnic and swim at Coyle Park, Point Chevalier 

Coyle Park features spacious grassy areas, gnarled trees gripping impressive cliff faces, and expansive harbour views. This family-friendly park also has a playground with a flying fox and Spacenet.

Short paths from Coyle Park lead down to Point Chevalier Beach, where calm, shallow waters lap the golden sand. Dramatic tides here mean the beach is best for swimming at mid to high tide.

Tāpapakanga Regional Park

Beach and lagoon hop at Tāpapakanga Regional Park

This historic coastal farm park overlooks the Firth of Thames and is about an hour’s drive from central Auckland. Swimmers here are treated to not one but two divine options for dips. Make a splash in the gentle surf at the pōhutukawa-edged beach, then wash the salt water off in the refreshing lagoon that runs into the sea.

Go for a day trip or book a tent site in the Beachfront Campground. Another option is to head up the hill to pitch your tent or park your campervan at the Seaview Campground – the views from the nearby lookout are spectacular.

Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/holidayplaces for accommodation options across the region.

Check before you swim

Before you take the plunge this summer, check out the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe.

With long summer days finally here and your favourite swimming spot calling, now is a great time to think about how to stay safe around the water.

Stay safe and have fun in the water this summer by following these tips.

Source: Auckland Council

We’ve picked ten leafy spaces for you to settle in for a lunchtime snack in the open air, breathe in some well-deserved chill-time and take a moment to smell the roses, all within a kilometre of the Auckland Town Hall.

Some are small but perfectly formed pocket parks and others are vast swathes of rolling green space. Some have been enjoyed by Aucklanders and visitors for more than a century and others are brand new.

Myers Park

Nestled between Karangahape Road and Mayoral Drive a great little oasis awaits. Take a stroll through the park and absorb the beauty of diverse trees including Puriri, a Moreton Bay Fig and an avenue of palms. With a super-fun playground, Myers Park is a great place for the kids to run around.

Diary Saturday 10 February for a family day out. Ditch your shoes and settle in under a tree with a picnic for the family at Nature Play in Myers Park on Saturday 10 February and Saturday 20 April 2024: 9am – 1pm.

Albert Park

Just behind Toi O Tāmaki (Auckland Art Gallery), Albert Park proudly watches over the city centre. It is one of the largest expanses of green space close to the heart of Auckland and is a great place to sit under an old majestic tree or on the steps of the beautiful Victorian band rotunda and relax.

Pukekawa / Auckland Domain

A well-known and much-loved Auckland park, this is also the oldest. Developed around the Pukekawa volcanic cone, the Domain has sports fields, nature walks, sculptured gardens, band rotunda, a duck pond and the Wintergardens to capture your imagination and enjoy.

Amey Daldy Park

Amey Daldy Park was opened little more than a year ago and it carries the name of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated suffragists. It’s a little green oasis in the city, where parents can kick back on the grass while children run, chase and explore the rolling landscape. It’s the perfect spot to pull up with a coffee or an ice cream on a sunny day and plan many more fun things for the kids to enjoy at Wynyard Quarter.

Credit: Sam Hartnett

Fort Street pocket park

Native planting is seeing new growth, timber seating is being well used and the bike racks are so new they’re still shiny. This is Auckland’s newest city centre pocket park, situated where Fort Street meets Queen Street. Instead of the traffic hotspot it once was, it’s now a picturesque place for city workers and visitors to take some time for a lunchtime sandwich with the feel of grass under their feet.

Victoria Park

Situated at the western edge of the city centre this iconic park is perfect for anyone working in Wynyard Quarter to get out of the office and reconnect with nature. The path skirting the edges of the park is great for a run or walk.

Western Park

Nestled between the western edges of the city centre and Ponsonby, this park is well known for the distinctive sculptural artworks in the upper part beside Ponsonby Road. This is also one of Auckland’s oldest parks and is a short walk from the western part of Karangahape Road or upper Nelson and Hobson Streets. The large part field in the middle of the park is a great place to get active with some friends. 

Constitution Hill / Alten Reserve

Across the road from the Auckland High Court, Constitution Hill drops down to the eastern end of Beach Road. With some well-established trees and a few park benches this is a great place for reconnecting with nature.

Parliament Reserve

Tucked behind the Auckland High Court this reserve is the site of New Zealand’s first parliament building. Pōhutukawa trees mark what used to be the entrance to the old building and provide lovely shade on hot days. There are plaques and a board with history to learn something, or simply use one of the park benches for reflection.

Emily Place Reserve

Located at the end of Princes Street, this little reserve sits above what used to be Britomart Point and is where the original St Paul’s Anglican Church stood. The mature pōhutukawa trees provide a nice backdrop for sitting, meditating or simply taking notice of your surroundings.

To find a park near you visit the park finder page on the Auckland Council website.

Source: Auckland Council

Celebrating the rich diversity, building community and environment resilience, and honouring Māori heritage are all features of the Whau Local Board Plan 2023, which has now been finalised.

Following the extensive engagement during the public consultation with the community in July and August, the plan is the key document guiding the board’s decision making for the next three years. 

Board chair Kay Thomas says the community remains at the heart of all the board’s work.

“During community engagement locals generously shared what’s important for our area and the 2023 Whau Local Board plan is a true reflection for our priorities for the next three years.

“Whau is one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most diverse areas, with Asian, Pasifika, and Māori communities and this diversity is one of our great strengths. As a board we want to support our community hubs, houses and other partners to increase community resilience, and welcome and connect our new immigrants to Whau to create a sense of belonging.

“The environment is one of our top priorities too. Our local area is mostly low-lying land developed extensively for industrial and urban use. The extreme weather events earlier this year reminded us of the importance of adapting to a changing climate and working with our communities to include sustainable practices in our daily lives.

“According to the feedback from our engagement with the community, most of the residents support our local board plan for the next three years. I’m proud to see it published and looking forward to delivering the plan for our community,” says Kay.

The city’s 21 local boards are required by law to produce a plan every three years, and the plan adopted is the first for the board elected last year.

The Whau Local Board Plan 2023 covers two overarching priorities including Māori outcomes and Climate action, and five key priority areas:

• Our people

• Our environment

• Our community

• Our places

• Our economy.

You can find the plan here.

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