Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

Over the years, significant work has gone into investigating options for the consolidation of speedway activities in Auckland, with a solution now decided. 

The council’s Governing Body agreed on 30 October 2024 to the request to transfer $11 million of existing Long-term Plan capital funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. This funding will enable the delivery of critical works at Waikaraka Park and the consolidation of the two current four-wheel class speedway venues in Auckland into the Onehunga venue.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) supports the consolidation of four-wheel speedway classes at Waikaraka Park, which will enable the realisation of improved financial outcomes at Western Springs Stadium for the benefit of Auckland ratepayers.

The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board have been drivers and strong supporters of the consolidation to Waikaraka Park, seeing this activity as strategically important to the local board area and aligned to their approved Waikaraka masterplan.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board chair Maria Meredith welcomes the investment into Waikaraka Park.

“This is a pivotal step forward for speedway activities at Waikaraka Park. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has been a longtime supporter of racing activities at this iconic Tāmaki Makaurau venue. This investment unlocks critical upgrades to the facility which are consistent with our approved Waikaraka Park Masterplan and help to ensure a bright and exciting future for the facility,” says Ms Meredith.

The decision to back and invest in Waikaraka Park provides a viable future for four-wheel speedway events in Auckland. It provides much-needed investment in facilities and infrastructure, improves safety and security, and allows for the confident planning of future high-quality events.

The Western Springs Speedway promoter came to the natural end of a four-year venue hire agreement in 2023, before being granted a one-year extension while seeking alternative future venues. Waikaraka Park has a secure lease arrangement in place until 2051.

Waikaraka Park is the current home of the Auckland Stock and Saloon Car Club. This decision paves the way forward for speedway and stock and saloon cars to share the same venue.

Source: Auckland Council

Thanks to a generous $10,000 boost from the Howick Local Board, seven schools and early childcare centres in the area, are now thriving as active Garden To Table schools.

Garden To Table is a school-based food and gardening programme and as a registered charity, they support schools and kura across Aotearoa, New Zealand, to take the learning out of the classroom and into the māra kai (garden) and the kīhini (kitchen).

Across East Auckland, being a Garden To Table school gives students the opportunity to dig into hands-on activities, unleash their creativity, and grow lifelong skills – all while learning how cutting food waste can help them cultivate healthier, locally sourced food.

Pakuranga Faith Baptist Kindergarten. L: tamariki harvesting vegetables from their garden to make kai. R: trolley made from rescued ‘waste’ materials, this is used for their Garden to Table ‘Harvest Table’ and equipment.

Board chair Damian Light explains, “We’re proud to support this programme which delivers on a number of our strategic priorities, including promoting healthy living and sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste to landfill, and allowing people to connect with nature.”

Funding was allocated for essential kitchen utensils and equipment, Garden To Table curriculum staff training and introductory sessions for programme champions, kitchen and garden specialists, as well as child-friendly aprons crafted by Sustainable Papakura volunteers.

Howick Primary School: During a Garden to Table session, making pizza scrolls with lots of herbs from their garden.

Ormiston Primary School teacher and programme champion Jenny Moon shares, “Our Garden To Table program has been a hit with the students. We’ve purchased kitchen equipment and composting bins. It’s wonderful to see them engage in planting, caring for the plants, and harvesting ingredients!”

Students participating in Garden to Table Programmes:

Name of School / ECE	Number of students participating in Garden to Table
Cockle Bay Primary School	112
Howick Primary	311
New Shoots Pakuranga	40
Ormiston Primary School	50
Mission Heights Primary School	380
Pakuranga Heights Primary School	84
Baptist Kindergarten Pakuranga	15
Total Students Participating	992

Cockle Bay School: flourishing edible garden.

Stay connected

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

Source: Auckland Council

A strategy that will govern the future of Auckland’s southern rural area is open for consultation until 1 December.

The Southern Rural Strategy is a part of of the Future Development Strategy for the development and growth of Tāmaki Makarau / Auckland.

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says its crucial southern voices are heard.

“Everyone I meet has an opinion on what is happening now, what should happen in the future, housing developments on prime agricultural land, or on how the rural character of our area is changing.

“If people want to have a say, they are going to have to speak up. It is as simple as this, there’s no use staying silent then railing about how our home is changing, and the ‘good old days’ because nothing stays the same forever.

“Auckland Council’s Southern Rural Strategy sets out how the area will accommodate a growing population, while enabling farming and food production to continue to thrive,” Baker, who chairs the working group overseeing strategy, says.

The strategy covers the Franklin ward and includes rural land in the Howick and Papakura local board areas.  

Franklin Local Board has already submitted a detailed response to the draft strategy, endorsing the development of a plan and noting the significant role rural Auckland plays in the well-being of the city, not only in terms of food security, but also financially.

Board chair Angela Fulljames says many of the issues addressed in the strategy reflect the board’s own plans.

“We believe this is a good chance to highlight the issue of deprivation through isolation. Many of our people don’t have access to things urban dwellers take for granted because they live in isolated rural communities where you can’t just pop down the road to a pool or library, and which may not even have internet access.”

She says urban land costs and restrictions are increasingly impacting rural land use.

“You need only drive on the motorway to see fertile land now being used to for non-rural commercial activities such as storage for relocated homes or heavy vehicles.”

“Development in the rural south is leading to a series of private wastewater management systems and that’s a concern in terms of environmental impact and community health.”

Drury, Opaheke, Pukekohe and Waiuku are all identified as towns where the most growth will occur in future.

Board deputy chair Alan Cole, himself a farmer, says everyone in the south is aware of the development taking place.

“There are long-term plans for how Drury and Pukekohe will expand over time – so it’s time for the people who make up those communities to say what they want for their towns.” 

“Franklin is growing and will be home to another 100,000 people over the next 30 years. We need a strategy to manage that. We often boast that Auckland eats because Pukekohe exists, so it’s critical we strike the right balance.”

You can have your say on the Southern Rural Strategy until Sunday 1 December.  

Stay connected

Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

Source: Auckland Council

1 July 2024

Your rates help deliver a wide range of day-to-day activities and services, and support investment in Auckland’s assets.

For 2024/2025, Auckland has some of the lowest rates rises in the country, at 6.8 per cent for the average value residential property. 

We are working hard to keep your rates down by carefully balancing the need to strengthen the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth.

What your rates deliver

Your rates support community services and activities that make Auckland thriving and beautiful. This includes improving public transport, maintaining parks, providing local and regional events, delivering environmental services, rubbish collection and a variety of community facilities and services.

A rising population means your rates need to work hard to meet increasing demand for the activities and services council provides and supports.

Where we are investing

We’ve been planning for the region’s growth and have just completed our Long-term Plan 2024-2034, which sets out how Auckland Council will use your rates to improve the daily lives of Aucklanders.

This includes making the most of what we have and investing where it is needed most. This involves extensive investment in capital projects across the region, as well as funding many services for Aucklanders.

In the next 10 years, your rates will help deliver:

More travel choices
Better public transport and new travel solutions (including a $50 capped weekly public transport pass).

Safer, improved transport
Investments to alleviate congestion, improve public transport and address safety issues.

Flood protection
Reducing existing flood risks, prevention, awareness and preparation.

Rejuvenated neighbourhoods
Regeneration continuing in Wynyard Quarter, City Centre, Takapuna, Northcote, Henderson, Avondale, Maungawhau, Panmure, Onehunga, Papatoetoe, Manukau, Pukekohe and Ormiston.

Community investment
Increased sports and recreation facilities through a $35 million fund, continued library and digital services, community-led arts and cultural activities, and local development. Local boards have a new, fairer funding model to support local communities.

A transformed city centre
A City Centre Masterplan will deliver a vibrant city centre, regenerating midtown to benefit from the City Rail Link and progress toward transforming Wynyard Point, the port and waterfront.

A safer city
We are increasing community patrols and CCTV surveillance to keep people safe in our city centres.

Food scraps collection
All urban households will have weekly kerbside food scraps collection. Rates-funded refuse collection will also be phased in for North Shore, Waitakere, Papakura, Franklin and Rodney.

A growing Auckland economy
Promoting Auckland as a great place to live, work, invest, study and visit – continuing our large cultural events and securing international and domestic events.

Well-managed local government
The Auckland Future Fund will help improve the financial and physical resilience of the council. The council will also be progressing Maori outcomes and continuing with storm recovery activities.

Want to learn more?

Our Long-term Plan 2024-2034 is our 10-year plan for Auckland.

It focuses on our physical and financial resilience, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth. We are doing this in a way that recognises cost of living concerns and provides the greatest benefit to our communities.

To learn more about all the investment priorities where your rates will go in the coming decade, see the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.

Source: Auckland Council

At its most recent meeting, the Policy and Planning Committee endorsed the latest two Shoreline Adaptation Plans – Pahurehure Inlet and Manukau Harbour East. Collectively, these plans cover the coast from Karaka Point in the south to Onehunga.

Shoreline Adaptation Plans are living plans that focus on how we manage Auckland Council-owned coastal land and assets. This includes reserves, public facilities, transport and water infrastructure, as well as any associated coastal defence structures like seawalls.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee welcomes these Shoreline Adaptation Plans and emphasises their importance as a strategic guide.

“We’ve seen the impacts of climate change on our coastlines, public assets and our coastal communities have directly experienced the effects. This is about working with mana whenua and Aucklanders to plan for the future of our shorelines,” says Cr Hills.

“It’s great to see more and more of these plans adopted and encouraging to see the level of involvement from the community as we have these important conversations.”

What is included in these plans?

Our Shoreline Adaptation Plans recommend one of four adaptation strategies for each stretch of shoreline and can apply a mix of these strategies. These are:

Hold the line

• The coastal edge is fixed at a certain location.
• Defence of the coastal edge may be through nature-based options (like beach nourishment) or engineered hard structures (like sea walls).

Limited intervention

• Generally focussed on maintaining and making the area safe.
• The coastal edge does not need to be fixed and can be altered.

No active intervention

• Natural processes are allowed to continue.
• No investment into coastal hazard protection or flood protection and reserved for coastlines that are not exposed or vulnerable to coastal hazards.

Managed retreat

• Assets and the way the land is used are relocated or realigned to reduce risk.
• Any relocation is planned and undertaken over time.
• Managed retreat does not signal abandonment of ‘at risk’ areas – it is about identifying a process to reconfigure council assets to accommodate natural coastal processes and build a more resilient shoreline.

Strategies are recommended over short-term (now to 20 years) medium-term (20 to 60 years) and long-term (60 to 100+ years) timeframes reflective of projected sea level rise over the coming decades of 0.5 to 1m. This long-term view of our changing coastal areas is a first step in adaptive planning and lays a foundation for consistent coastal management.

Paul Klinac, Auckland Council General Manager, Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory explains that these high-level strategies provide guidance on how council-owned coastal land and assets can be adapted over time to sustainably manage the escalating impacts of coastal hazards and climate change.

“The development of shoreline adaptation plans across the region is funded through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 as part of the climate action investment package,” says Mr Klinac.

“Shoreline Adaptation Plans – like the ones for the Pahurehure Inlet and Manukau Harbour East – will help guide us in future decision-making around these public assets. This could be reserve management, operational maintenance and renewal of coastal structures or initiation of new capital works projects. This will be alongside ongoing monitoring of council-owned coastal assets and the surrounding coastal environment.”

Pahurehure Inlet Shoreline Adaptation Plan

The Pahurehure Inlet Shoreline Adaptation Plan includes the area of the coastline from the Puhinui Creek in the north up to Karaka Point south. This coastline covers the Manurewa, Papakura and Franklin local board areas.

It recommends limited and no active intervention for many areas of the Pahurehure Inlet shoreline over the next 100 years.

It also suggests a ‘hold the line’ approach for specific areas, including Karaka Harbourside, Conifer Grove and Keith Park, due to an increased risk from coastal inundation over time. This is to maintain existing infrastructure and highly valued coastal connections from coastal erosion.

Lastly, it states a ‘managed retreat’ approach to support proactive adaptation planning in the mid to long-term for Waikirihinau / Bottle Top Bay, Youngs Point and in the Drury Creek area should be adopted. This is as the increasing risk from coastal hazards will impact the long-term use of the land in these areas.

Manukau Harbour East Shoreline Adaptation Plan

The Manukau Harbour East Shoreline Adaptation Plan includes the area of the coastline from the Puhinui Creek in the south to Taumanu Reserve in the north. This coastline includes the Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board areas.

It states that limited intervention is the best approach for many areas of this shoreline over the next 100 years and continuing to maintain existing coastal management practices.

It also recommends a ‘hold the line’ approach for specific areas due to the highly modified shoreline and the location of significant (council-owned) infrastructure like the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This also reflects iwi values and aspirations and the importance of ensuring we are managing past land use decisions and asset owner requirements alongside community values and uses.

Managed retreat (in the longer-term) is identified where space is constrained and there will be a need to ensure that valued community activities avoid hazard areas to remain safe and functional.

Get involved

The remaining shoreline adaptation plans are continuing to be developed and will be completed in 2025. Plans will continue to be presented to the Policy and Planning Committee for approval.

Tell us what you think over the course of 2024 and for some areas, we’re also asking for your feedback on our draft adaptation strategies – head to akhaveyoursay.nz to see what plans are currently open for feedback.

You can also help by joining the conversation and telling us what you value about your local coastline today by visiting our regional interactive map – drop pins to leave comments on coastal areas not yet open. 

Source: Auckland Council

Guy Fawkes is just around the corner and with fireworks going on sale in Tamāki Makaurau, here’s a reminder on the rules and tips, so you, your friends and whānau can enjoy fireworks safely.  

Aotearoa New Zealand has strict rules around the purchase and sale of fireworks. They’re sold for four days leading up to and including Guy Fawkes (2 to 5 November 2024). Not just anyone can buy fireworks – you must be 18 years old and have a valid ID.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Community Safety Committee urges people letting off fireworks to be mindful of others.

“Some Aucklanders enjoy the Guy Fawkes season, but for others it can be an unsettling and worrying time.

“Fireworks can be enjoyed on private property in Tamāki Makaurau, but please be aware that others, including your neighbours may not enjoy the sound and sight of them and pets can also be distressed by them.”

“By all means enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner, but please be respectful to others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”

“Auckland Council has long held the view that central Government should ban the private sale of fireworks, and has taken

opportunities in the past to present this view.”

Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says Aucklanders should give some thought to where they let off fireworks.

“I hope people have a safe and enjoyable time letting off fireworks on their own property.”

“Please be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across Auckland is not allowed.”

Muriwai beach access

Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach will be closed to vehicles during the Guy Fawkes period this year, from 2 to 11 November, to mitigate fire risk in the area.

Enjoying fireworks safely and responsibly

• Fireworks can only be let off on private property. 

• It is not legal to light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as parks and beaches, across the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau.

• Lighting fireworks is also prohibited in forests, conservation areas and on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

• The Tūpuna Maunga Authority will close public access to 14 maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau from Saturday 2 November 2024 to Tuesday 5 November 2024 to protect them from fires. This is the sixth year in a row the Authority has closed our maunga.

• Make sure yourself and others stand well back from fireworks once they are lit.

• Inform your neighbours if possible and avoid using fireworks after 10pm.

• Have water or a fire extinguisher handy.

• Read and follow fireworks handling instructions carefully.

• Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.

• Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.

• Always have a responsible adult present.

• Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.

• On rural private land during Guy Fawkes (2-5 November) bonfires are allowed but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall. During a Restricted Fire Season a permit is need from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

• Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away. They must be secured.

• Don’t store fireworks after Guy Fawkes as it’s hard to know if they’ll be safe to use at a later date.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises visiting its website for restrictions and fire safety advice. 

Looking out for pets during Guy Fawkes

Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council Animal Management Manager says people should be extra mindful of their pets during the days leading up to Guy Fawkes and the day itself.

“Pets can be extremely sensitive to the sounds and light produced by fireworks. They can react negatively and become distressed.”

“Organise a safe place inside for your pets and pay extra care to them during this time.

“Please ensure your pets are safe and well confined if you aren’t at home with them during the Guy Fawkes period.”

Ms Waitoa also says the time around Guy Fawkes usually sees an increase in the number of dogs entering council animal shelters.

“Make sure your dog is registered and microchipped. This will make it easier for you to be reunited with your dog if it gets lost.”

Source: Auckland Council

Earlier this year, Auckland Council requested an Order in Council from the government to enable faster delivery of two critical flood resilience projects in Māngere that will reduce future risk for the community.

This Order in Council has now been approved by Cabinet, as announced by the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, effective as of 25 October 2024.

Mayor Wayne Brown thanked Cabinet for prioritising the council’s request to expedite works that will protect the Māngere community, which would otherwise be vulnerable in future major flooding events.

“Now we can cut out red tape that would have slowed down much-needed work to improve physical resilience in Māngere,” says Mayor Brown.

“The money to do the work is sitting there as part of our Long-term Plan and we are good to go – this decision means we can get on with actually making Māngere safer and avoid the type of damage we saw last time round.

“There are 350 homes in Māngere that are to flood in the event of a future flood. This will help protect not only those homes but others in downstream catchments, so it’s very welcome news.”

Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli welcome the Order in Council and these necessary works.

“Māngere was one of the hardest hit areas following the severe weather in early 2023 and these works will increase flood resilience for the wider community and reduce the flood risk for hundreds of properties,” says Cr Filipaina.

“Some of these homes are classed as having an intolerable risk to life and it is vital that this work is completed. It’s great to see the council working with central government to deliver these projects quickly for our Māngere community,” says Cr Fuli.

Tauanu’u Nanai Nick Bakulich, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chairperson is glad to see the Order in Council take effect on 25 October.

“It’s encouraging to see our community – local groups, mana whenua, leaders, homeowners, renters, families, and community providers – engaged in this process. As residents who understand the challenges we face, we are committed to being involved and supporting these efforts. Our focus is on creating a safer and more flood-resilient community,” says Chairperson Bakulich.

The Order in Council will apply to the two projects proposed in Te Ararata Creek and Harania Creek in Māngere, and only the council would be able to use it to apply for consents.

It would take effect from late October 2024 and while it expires on 31 March 2028, the works are likely to be completed earlier than this. 

Working with the community

Auckland Council remains committed to keeping the Māngere community engaged and informed about the vital flood resilience projects in the Harania and Te Ararata catchment areas. These projects are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to build sustainable and resilient communities while addressing the growing challenges of a disrupted climate.  

As part of this commitment, we are working closely with the Community Working Group (CWG), which includes representatives from mana whenua, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, and key community organisations such as the Te Ararata Stream Team, I Am Māngere, Māngere Town Centre, faith, family and youth groups.

The CWG plays a critical role in ensuring the voices of local communities are heard and integrated into the project’s development and delivery. Their priorities include: 

• Identifying and strengthening cultural, social, and environmental outcomes that resonate with the local community.

• Collaborating with Auckland Council to ensure these priorities are embedded into the project’s planning and execution.

• Facilitating open, ongoing communication between the project team and the wider community to promote transparency and trust.

• Providing local knowledge that enhances the success of each project, ensuring long-term benefits for the area.

Next steps

These flood resilience projects will mitigate future risks and deliver co-benefits such as improved green spaces, enhanced biodiversity, and continue to build on the strong community connections. 

You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Source: Auckland Council

The first section of a redesigned Victoria Street – from Elliott Street to Queen Street – has opened to the public. It’s lighter and leafier. It feels more sociable. It functions with contemporary purpose, signposting more of what’s to come. 

The milestone is another step closer to a completed station neighbourhood. Auckland Council’s midtown regeneration programme is ensuring the area will be ready for the City Rail Link (CRL) and Te Waihorotiu Station becoming operational in 2026.

The new rail network will bring thousands more people into these streets and spaces, using more transport modes than were previously available. People will arrive by rail, bus, active modes (walking or on scooters and bikes) and by car or delivery vehicle.

This shift in functionality and lift in anticipated numbers underpin the need for the repurposing and redesign of streets and spaces, improving the workings of a contemporary city.

Fresh form and function

On both sides of the street, heritage kerb stones sit next to new paving. The flowing water patterning etched into basalt pavers on the southside of the street is by artists Chris Bailey and Sally Smith – hinting at a magnificent artwork coming to the Queen Street corner in mid-2025.

By that time, the Lorne Street to Albert Park section of Victoria Street will be open and CRL’s streetscape surrounding the station portal in Victoria Street will also be finished.

The mid-section of Victoria Street from Queen Street to Lorne Street will open in 2026, once Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are delivered. Read more about this work here and Auckland Council’s recent update here.

Te Hā Noa emerges

Victoria Street is starting to live and breathe the meaning of its new name, Te Hā Noa. The name Te Hā Noa was gifted by mana whenua, encouraging people to take a breath and enjoy the experience of the sights and sounds around them.

Mana whenua also guided the terracing design of the stone tree pits, referencing the volcanic geology and forms of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Some of the tree pits also serve a sustainable purpose in the city’s stormwater drainage system. Surface rainwater from the road and paved surfaces is dispersed into the tree pits, where it irrigates the trees and filters the water before it flows to the sea.

Uplighting the trees

When people come to enjoy Christmas lights in city centre squares and Queen Street this festive season, they will also see the uplighting of trees, widened footpaths, and spaces with new seating for visitors to sit and pause in this finished section of Victoria Street.

Visitors might also witness the first flowering of pōhutukawa which were among the native trees crane-lifted into the street in September. Pūriri, taraire and tītoki are the other varieties planted, with 900 plants further greening new gardens at street level. Read more here.

In time, Te Hā Noa will form a green link across the city, linking two much-loved city parks – Rangipuke / Albert Park and Waikōkota / Victoria Park.

Policy and Planning Committee Chair Councillor Richard Hills says people have already been commenting on the new mature trees and gardens in the street, with places to sit and enjoy the city centre.

“The opening of the first section of Te Hā Noa has allowed people to start experiencing the refreshed atmosphere and functionality of the redesigned Victoria Street, which is truly exciting.

“I’m looking forward to our new streets and spaces, an underground rail network, better bus routes, billions of dollars of private sector investment in the area, and a thriving arts quarter, bordered by three beautiful city parks – Myers, Albert and Victoria.

“Summer is going to be a wonderful time for people to experience these upgrades, including widened footpaths to stroll on and take in the new trees, which provide shade in the day and light up at night,” Councillor Hills says.

Complementary streets

Victoria Street is one of three east-west streets in the Te Waihorotiu Station neighbourhood undergoing a major transformation to create a new gateway for the city centre.

Before the regeneration of midtown, Victoria Street, Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive were dense traffic routes carrying more than four lanes of cars, trucks and buses, with cyclists hugging the edges, pedestrians vying with scooters along narrow footpaths and a noisy environment for businesses.

In the regeneration, Wellesley Street will become an important central city bus interchange, and the upgraded Victoria Street will make connecting between walking, cycling, high frequency bus routes, and the train station easier and safer.

Jenny Larking, Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes is proud of the station neighbourhood her team and the wider Auckland Council group are delivering in midtown.

“We recognise that beautiful public spaces encourage social interaction, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. These spaces become the stages where city life unfolds, memories are made, and a city’s identity is forged.

“We are creating streets and spaces that are authentic, safe, sustainable and reflective of our place in the world, with mana whenua-led expression woven throughout, while continuing to support the operations of a busy city centre,” she said.

Some midtown upgrades are already complete including Queen Street, upper Federal Street and Myers Park. Learn more about the midtown regeneration here.

Read more about the private sector’s confidence in the area here and the wider city centre’s transformation here.

Photo credit: Jay Farnworth.