Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Auckland Council

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

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

Explore Ambury Farm and Māngere Foreshore 

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

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

Narrow Neck to Devonport Path

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

Waterview Path

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

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

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

See the city on the Westhaven Path

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

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

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

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

Te Ara Tahuna/Ōrewa Estuary Path

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

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

Pakuranga Rotary Path

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

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

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

Source: Auckland Council

Safeswim is ready for a safe and fun summer this long weekend in Auckland.

Enjoying the summer with Safeswim: your guide to safe swimming in Auckland

As summer continues Auckland’s beaches remain the heartbeat of the season, a haven for picnics, swims, and sun-soaked memories. But as you pack your beach bag and head for the shore, don’t forget to check one essential tool for your summer adventures: Safeswim

Safeswim is your one-stop destination for the latest information on water quality, swimming conditions, and surf lifeguard patrols at Auckland’s beaches. Operated by Auckland Council in partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Watercare, and Drowning Prevention Auckland, Safeswim is the award-winning programme that empowers beachgoers to make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning to dive into the surf, wade along the shore, or simply enjoy a day by the sea, Safeswim gives you the information you need to decide when and where to swim.

Check water quality, temperature and conditions before you leave home

While Auckland’s beaches are generally pristine, there may be times when the water is not suitable for swimming. Rainfall can wash contaminants from urban areas into waterways, while infrastructure issues like wastewater overflows may temporarily affect water quality. These factors can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

Safeswim uses advanced predictive models and real-time data to forecast water quality at each beach, helping you make informed decisions about when and where to swim. With updates every 15 minutes, the platform displays colour-coded pins on an interactive map to indicate water quality and the risk of illness from swimming.

Regular water quality sampling is also an important part of the programme and helps validate and improve the performance of models. Look for the Safeswim sampling team across the region this summer.

Understanding the pin colours

A green pin means the water quality is good while a red pin means the water quality is not suitable for swimming and there may be higher risk of illness—swimming is not advised. A black pin means you should avoid the water as there is an active wastewater overflow in the area.

A yellow diamond pin indicates a safety warning is in place.  Some of the hazards could include strong currents, large breaking waves, sharks or even jellyfish.

Safe swimming

Over the last few weeks swimmers along Auckland’s east coast have reported itching and rashes / red spots after being in the water. Sea bather’s eruption is an itchy rash of the covered skin that appears soon after swimming in the sea, caused by stings from the nematocysts (stinging cells) of certain sea anemones and thimble jellyfish. The tiny animals become trapped in bathing suits or in the hair of the bather. Most cases of sea bather’s eruption occur during the summer when the water temperature is warmer. We advise swimmers to change out of swimwear as soon as possible and shower with fresh water after coming out of the water.

Check Safeswim

Swimming conditions and water quality can change. By regularly checking Safeswim, you can confidently plan your day at the beach.

Simply go to the Safeswim website or download the app and use the map to locate your favourite spot. You can also type in the name of the beach you are looking for into the search box.

When you click on a particular beach, you’ll find helpful information such as the weather forecast, water temperature and potential hazards such as large waves, strong currents or large drop-offs in the water. Tide times are handy to know if you’re heading out on a walk where you can only cross a path at low tide.

Find the safest place: always swim where lifeguards can keep you safe

While the beach is New Zealand’s favourite playground, it can also be a dangerous place. So, choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags. In 2023/24, surf lifeguards saved 893 lives across New Zealand, and no one drowned while swimming between the flags. You can easily find out which beaches have surf lifeguards on the Safeswim website by clicking on the ‘See lifeguarded’ red and yellow flag icon. But note that surf lifeguards are not on duty all the time.

Know how to float

Ensure the family know how to float. Being able to float increases your chances of survival and is the first thing you should do if caught in a rip. If you or someone in your family doesn’t know how to float well, practice or get lessons in a pool before you head to the beach.

Sign up for one of Auckland Council’s Pools and Leisure Learn to Swim classes for adults and children if you don’t know how to swim or you’re not confident in the water. And if you do get caught in a rip or a strong current, don’t panic.

Stay calm, relax and float instead of trying to swim back to shore. Raise your hand for help and ride the rip until it stops, and you can swim back to shore, or it circulates and brings you back into shallower waters.

Take care of others: don’t take your eyes off the kids.

Always keep a close eye on children in and near the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so stay focused, avoid distractions, and keep young ones within arm’s reach, even in shallow water.

If in doubt, stay out

Waves can be bigger than they look; dangerous rip currents are hard to spot and weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions.

Know how to get help

If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know.  If you can’t see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. Police have a direct line to surf lifeguards and others who can help.

More information on beach safety information from Surf Life Saving New Zealand can be found here.

Additionally, don’t let children play, paddle, or swim in urban streams, stormwater pipes, or near stormwater outlets on the beach. The water from these outlets is likely to be contaminated even if it looks clean.

There are many good reasons to decide with Safeswim. So before diving in at the beach this summer, take a moment to visit safeswim.org.nz or download the mobile app to get the latest water quality, swimming conditions, and surf lifeguard patrol times.

Source: Auckland Council

Hanging around Tāmaki Makaurau for the long weekend? Celebrate Auckland’s birthday and make the most of our first long weekend of the year with these free, family-friendly activities. 

Whether you’re up for some live music and delicious kai, a dazzling light show, an exciting street performance in the city centre or setting sail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring friends and whānau along for the fun and take your pick: 

Tune in to Music in Parks 

Say cello to Music in Parks! Make the most of this free entertainment making its rounds around Tāmaki Makaurau’s parks. Next on the schedule is Opera in the Park at Glover Park on Saturday January 25th, featuring talented artists like Joanna Foote, Sarah Mileham, Taylor Wallbank, Joel Amosa, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, with pianist David Kelly and MC Kawiti Waetford. If an afternoon of electronic, rock and pop is more your style, be sure to check out the Rifle Range Amphitheatre in Catalina Bay Drive, Hobsonville, for summer vibes with Paul the Kid, Vanessa Tottle, and Ocean Beach.  

You’ll be in for a treat of epic performances and delicious kai from food trucks. 

Dazzle with Vector Lights 

Add some sparkle to your evening with Vector Lights! After enjoying the day activities, head along to one of these favourite viewing spots; Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria to watch the 90,000 LEDs on the Auckland Harbour Bridge come to life with a show that celebrates the culturally diverse city we live in today. 

Designed by toi Māori artist Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri) and accompanied with the rich sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau by sound engineer Tawhirimatea Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri), the show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. Listen live at vector.co.nz/lights.  

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

Join 2025’s Lunar New Year celebrations  

Energise your senses this Lunar New Year. Kicking off this weekend, midtown’s lanes and squares will be alive with a creative buzz inspired by Asian traditions and infused with a unique Auckland flavour. 

From Sunday 26 January to 22 February, you can experience the colours, sounds, tastes and beats of Asia, joining millions around the world who celebrate Lunar New Year. Don’t miss Bao and Boba – dine, vote for your top participating shop and be in to win. 

And while you’re in the city centre, take a fresh look around. There are new trees, art, design elements, cycleways and spaces popping up every time you venture in. 

Marvel at Street Performances in the City Centre 

Prepare to be amazed with the Auckland International Buskers Festival gracing our city centre streets this Auckland Anniversary weekend, bringing with it a world-class lineup of street performers. 

You won’t want to miss out on this free, family friendly entertainment, with a wide array of extraordinary talent like fire dancers, some serious clowning around by pro’s and hair-raising acrobatics on full display.  

Sail-ebrate this Auckland Anniversary Day! 

Sail-ebrate Auckland Anniversary Day with friends and whānau by getting into the sailing spirit! 

Get crafty at NZ Maritime Museum with more family fun and join in on boat-themed activities, Allow your creativity to flow as you design, build and race your own mini sailboat in the “Raingutter Regatta”. 

Or attend the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta for a day of sporting fun marveling at the vast array of boats on display. With several events taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau, there will be something in store for everyone. 

Source: Auckland Council

You can now have your say on proposed updates to Auckland Council’s Cemetery and Crematoria Bylaw. These changes follow a statutory review of the bylaw and will not impact the day-to-day running of Auckland’s public cemeteries.  

Auckland Council looks after more than 50 cemeteries in Tāmaki Makaurau, including North Shore Memorial Park, Waikumete Cemetery and Manukau Memorial Gardens.  Each offers a peaceful place to honour and remember loved ones, while catering to the customs and traditions of the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee explains a bylaw is one tool the council uses to help keep public cemeteries and crematoria safe and serving Aucklanders effectively. 

“Our cemeteries are special places, and they deserve to be treated with care and respect. That’s why we have a bylaw in place and a dedicated, thoughtful team managing them,” she says. 

The Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw sets out how our cemeteries operate on a daily basis, taking into consideration the cultural, physical and social needs of those who use them. It is supported by a code of practice.  

Like all bylaws, there is a legal requirement to review it every few years to ensure it continues to work for Aucklanders. 

Following our statutory review, council staff recommend keeping the rules we have now. This means there are no changes proposed to how Auckland’s cemeteries run on a day-to-day basis, and no change to the rules for Aucklanders. 

However, the review found some duplicated and outdated information in the code of practice. To make the bylaw clearer and easier to understand, we propose to move most rules in the code of practice to the bylaw, so they are in one place. 

These proposed changes will not impact the rules for Aucklanders, they will just tidy up the bylaw so it is clearer. Changes like this can only be made through a statutory review of the bylaw. 

“Council staff carried out the legally required review of this bylaw in 2024 and found it to be working well. Therefore, we propose for the rules to stay the same,” says Cr Bartley. 

“While the changes being proposed are administrative, we want to hear from Aucklanders whenever we make changes to our bylaws – no matter how small. It’s important these local rules work for our communities, and now is the perfect time to share your thoughts if this matters to you” she says.   

You can have your say on the proposed changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw on the Have Your Say website. The consultation closes on Sunday 23 February. 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is seeking expressions of interest for a limited one-off grants scheme to support homeowners with property access impacted by road reserve slips that occurred in the 2023 storms.

On 7 November the council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee voted for the $5 million scheme, with the funding coming from the Crown-council funded transport network repairs budget. 

Expressions of interest are open for the scheme from 13 December to 10 February 2025.

Are you eligible?

Was your property impacted by a slip on a road reserve? A road reserve is the strip of land between your property’s boundary and the road or footpath.

To be eligible to apply for this one-off scheme you must answer YES to ALL the following questions:

• Has access to a residential dwelling on your property been impacted by a landslip?

• Did the damage occur in the weather events in January and February 2023?

• Is the slip within the boundary of the road reserve?

• Has your property NOT been assessed as Category 3?

The full set of criteria was approved by the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee – item 10, in bold at the bottom – clause b) points i) to viii).

Register

If you answered YES to all the questions above please register your interest for the scheme before 10 February 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: The information you provide will be added to the property file for your property.  We will remove personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses.

FAQs

If you have further questions please check out the Frequently Asked Questions on Our Auckland or email recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Source: Auckland Council

Two long-standing hospitality venues, at opposite ends of Auckland, will get some help to future-proof through Auckland Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant. The Puhoi Hotel and the Kentish Hotel were among 21 applicants from across the region allocated a share of $530,000 from the grant. Both hotels are scheduled as historic heritage places under the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice and encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places. It is focussed on funding projects that benefit historic heritage places and outcomes that are relevant to all of Auckland.

Allocations for this financial year’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant were approved by Auckland Council’s General Manager Planning and Resource Consents, John Duguid. 

The Puhoi Hotel complex in Auckland’s north was allocated $50,000 and the Kentish Hotel in Waiuku, in the south, was awarded $48,435.

“It’s essential that historic heritage places are preserved so they can be enjoyed by Aucklanders now, and for years to come,” says Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee.

“These taonga give a window into the past of Tāmaki Makaurau and preserving them is crucial for the region’s identity.

“The Regional Historic Heritage Grant enables these historically significant taonga to be improved and future-proofed.

“This round we allocated funds to 21 applicants from a total of 35 applications. We thank all those who gave their time and effort to apply.”  

The Puhoi Hotel pictured in the 1987.

Puhoi Hotel

The Puhoi Hotel was established by John Schollum, a Bohemian migrant who arrived in Puhoi in 1863. The first version of the hotel was built in 1876 and Schollum gained his liquor licence that year. The hotel had accommodation for both patrons and their horses. The current Puhoi Hotel was built in 1901, replacing the earlier 1876 building.

Pūhoi is a small rural town, located in a valley, approximately 43 kilometres north of Auckland city. The town developed near the Pūhoi River (along Pūhoi Road) following the arrival of Bohemian settlers in the 1860s and 1870s.

The hotel is recorded as standing out as a local landmark due to its height and picturesque appearance.

The $50,000 funding will go towards repairing the damaged verandah structure, and repainting the exterior and roof.

Bernie McCallion, owner of the Puhoi Hotel thanked Auckland Council for the funds.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Auckland Council for approving our grant application.

“This funding will make a significant difference in enabling us to bring The Puhoi Pub, Hotel and Stables back to life.

“We appreciate the council’s support and commitment to help the hub of Puhoi be used to its full extent and allowing the verandah to be safe and secure for tourists and the community.

The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku, 1877.

Kentish Hotel

The Kentish Hotel was built in 1852 by Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone, Kent in England. Constable was granted a liquor licence on 10 January 1853. The same licence still continues today and the hotel lays claim to the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand.  The hotel’s close relationship to the Waiuku wharf was key to its early success and it is a rare example of a large wooden colonial building. The hotel is associated with notable political figures Sir George Grey, Richard John Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. Māori Kings Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Tāwhiao held meetings there and it was the venue for sittings of the Native Land Court.

The $48,435 will be used for repairing the hotel’s exterior decks and repair and weather-proof the windows.

Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2023/2024 recipients
Place	Approved grant allocation ($)
Berrisville Flats, Anzac Ave, Central Auckland	50,000
Church of Ascension (former), Point Chevalier	15,670
George Courts Department Store (former), Karangahape Rd	50,000
Greenhithe School building (former), Greenhithe	7,931
Gravestone at St Stephens Church, Parnell	1,300
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Silverdale	50,000
Kentish Hotel, Waiuku	48,435
King’s Theatre (former), Newton	50,000
Kohekohe Presbyterian Church (former),Waiuku	7,000
Lake House, Takapuna	13,100
Mission Hall, Glenfield	5,490
New Zealand Guardian Trust, Queen St, Central Auckland	2,000
Northcote Point Senior Citizens Association, Northcote	25,000
Onehunga Primary School, Onehunga	28,900
Puhoi Hotel complex, Puhoi	50,000
Railway worker’s residence, Henderson	8,376
St Mark’s Church, Remuera	43,100
St Sepulchre Church (former), Mt Eden	10,000
Takapuna Library (former), Takapuna	35,000
Theosophical Society Hall, Queen St, Central Auckland	25,000
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse	3,565

Applicants for the Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2024/2025 will open in the second half of 2025. More information will be posted on the Auckland Council website at a later date. 

Source: Auckland Council

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Exploring the Treaty, culture and music for Te Tiriti o Waitangi with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, and Jordyn with a Why. 

Get ready for a show-stopping, free, community celebration at Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, taking place on Thursday 6 February 2025, at Barry Curtis Park.  

Hosted by Auckland Council, join us for a fantastic day that honours the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, packed with music and rich cultural experiences within te ao Māori (the Māori world). This whānau-friendly event in the heart of Manukau is a fun and significant way to celebrate what Waitangi Day means for us all today. 

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Te Tūhura i te Tiriti, te ahurea me te puoro mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ko ngā kaiwhakangahau matua, ko Dam Native, ko MAJIC, ko Jordyn with a Why hoki. 

Kia rite ki te whai wāhi ki tētahi whakanui mā te hapori e whakamīharo ana, e utu kore ana hoki, e tū rā ki Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, hei a Tāite te 6 o Pēpuere 2025, ki Barry Curtis Park. 

Piri mai ki tētahi kaupapa rawe e whakatūria ana e Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau hei whakamaharatanga ki te huritau 185 mai i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ka pāorooro te puoro, ka rangona hoki te pārekareka o te ahurea i te ao Māori. He ara ngahau, he ara tāpua hoki tēnei kaupapa pai mā te whānau hei whakanui i te rā o Waitangi me tōna hiranga ki a tātou katoa i tēnei wā. 

This year’s theme, ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorates the historical importance of Manukau as a site where treaty signings took place, and will provide a space to reflect on the ongoing relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its role in shaping Aotearoa.  

Cr Alf Filipaina sees this event as a powerful reminder of the historical significance, unity, and future aspirations Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers Aucklanders. 

“Waitangi ki Manukau 2025 is a commemoration for all, showcasing the rich diversity of Auckland communities through music, cultural experiences, and time with whānau,” Cr Filipaina says.  

“Auckland Council is committed to celebrating Māori identity, history and culture as Auckland’s unique point of difference in the world. This event highlights how through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, when Māori thrive, we all thrive in Tāmaki Makaurau.” 

The musical lineup is a standout of the event, with headline performances from Dam Native, MAJIC, Jordyn with a Why, MOHI and Tipene each bringing their own unique flavour to the stage. In addition to these incredible headliners, the event will feature Valkyrie, bringing their indie rock edge to the lineup, and award-winning NLC, delivering fresh, dynamic energy with their reggae fusion. From hip hop to R&B to indie rock, the musical diversity on display at Waitangi ki Manukau will reflect the vibrant mix of cultures welcome in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Auckland Council’s Māori Culture and Identity Programme Lead Melz Huata-Lucas says that while the lineup of artists will help to create a stirring, unified atmosphere through the expression of music, this year’s commemoration of Waitangi Day will be so much more than just music. 

“This year’s Waitangi ki Manukau event will embrace culture and community and the remembrance of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi – the significance for Māori, in particular, iwi Māori from Tāmaki Makaurau, and the impact of the treaty on this region and on our society as a whole, ever since the signing,” Miss Huata-Lucas says.  

The day’s events will begin with a karakia, setting a tone of reverence and unity, before the powerful lineup of performances and activities fills the day.  

Learning opportunities focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi will also be at the forefront, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the Treaty as an important, living document. The Waitangi Village will offer interactive activities, including weaving workshops and kōrero, designed to foster understanding from both Māori and Pacific cultures. 

The festival will also feature a curated market with Māori arts and crafts, and kai stalls showcasing a delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours. A special area for children’s activities including face painting and poi making will ensure that tamariki have a fun and educational experience of their own.  

Event Details: 

Date: Thursday 6 February, 2025 

Time: 10 AM to 4 PM 

Location: Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 

Cost: Free 

Artist line-up 

• Dam Native, groundbreaking 90s hip hop group, will captivate audiences with powerful storytelling and dynamic urban beats, blending ancestral pride with contemporary Māori experience to speak to social issues and inspire the next generation. 

• MAJIC has quickly gained attention for her distinctive style which combines reggae-roots with waiata Māori. A Waiata Maori Music Award winner for top artist, MAJIC crafts her soulful music to inspire her iwi and provide a positive example for her tamariki.  

• Jordyn with a Why, an up-and-coming star in the Aotearoa R&B scene, will mesmerise attendees with her emotive voice and soulful melodies, inspiring audiences through her unyielding spirit of Māori reclamation. 

• MOHI, with his smooth-groove blend of traditional Māori sounds and soulful-jazz styles, will offer an intimate connection to te ao Māori, inspiring listeners to find their own meaning within the story. 

• Tipene is a hip-hop artist from Hawkes Bay known for blending Māori culture with contemporary rap. His music often highlights social issues, personal stories, and cultural pride, recognising him as one of Aotearoa’s leading bilingual artists. 

Presented by Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council. 

Supported by Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Hustle Management, Flava, Radio Waatea, Auckland City of Music and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 

Follow the Facebook page for updates on stage performance times. 

For more information, please visit ourauckland.nz/waitangiday. 

ENDS 

Source: Auckland Council

February marks one of the most important days in the calendar for Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Waitangi Day commemorates the day when 183 years ago, several Māori chiefs signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi; the founding documents of our nation.  

This day holds great significance in Aotearoa as a day to remember Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and brings with it reflections and celebrations year-on-year. For 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau, this year’s Waitangi Day theme is ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorating the historical importance in our region of where treaty signings took place. 

There are also many free, family-friendly events full of tasty kai, great music and enriching kōrero to commemorate our national holiday. 

Here’s a few to get you started: 

Waitangi ki Manukau 

A large crowd in attendance for the Waitangi ki Manukau event, with live music and delicious kai for all to enjoy.

Education is at the forefront this year at Waitangi ki Manukau, located at Barry Curtis Park (entrance opposite 260 Chapel Road, Flat Bush), and welcoming all to enjoy the day with great kai, lively music and exploration of the Treaty and its historical and cultural significance. Plenty of opportunities to get involved await visitors at The Waitangi Village, which has on offer weaving workshops and educational kōrero, designed to foster understanding of both Māori and Pacific cultures. 

Plus, there’s a curated market with Māōri arts and crafts, kai stalls showcasing delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours, and a designated play area for tamariki with engaging activities. 

There’s also an exciting line-up of musicians with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, Tipene, Jordyn with a Why and many more!  

Waitangi at Waititi 

Festival attendees enjoying the performances at Waitangi at Waititi.

More family fun awaits in West Auckland at Parrs Park, thanks to Te Whānau o Waipareira, who are putting on an incredible event full of delicious kai and some kid-friendly rides for the whole whānau to enjoy. 

You won’t want to miss out on epic performers like Stan Walker, Mark Williams, Che Fu & The Kratez, Ladi 6, Black Slate, Corrella, Troy Kingi, Aaradhna, Rob Ruha and Annie Crummer. 

Waitangi Day ki Tāmaki 

Kapa Haka performers sharing Māori tradition with their waiata / song.

You can also head to Point England Reserve, which will be bursting with family friendly activity for the day.  

Get amongst the celebrations and enjoy yummy kai, arts and craft stalls, and a live music stage featuring top musicians like Katchafire, Teina Mamaori, Norizin, Lopz & the Rasta, Queen Shirl’e Academy, Kas Tha Feelstyle, as well as kapa haka groups. 

Vector Lights for Waitangi Day 

Enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

As the sun sets, enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  Designed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, in collaboration with Mandylights, the dazzling show is a celebration of the many tūpuna gone before who laid a strong foundation for their descendants, creating a legacy and everlasting connection to their whenua, to their moana and to each other. 

The accompanied waiata ‘Maunga’ by siblings Majic Pāora and Robbie Pāora can be listened to live at vector.co.nz/lights. The show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. 

Here’s a tip: grab your paraikete (blanket) and catch the show from some of the best viewing places like Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria! 

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

Source: Auckland Council

It is time to unleash your views on proposed changes to Auckland’s dog rules. You can have your say by taking part in the 5-week consultation from Monday 20 January until Sunday 23 February. 

The changes being proposed are part of a regular review of Auckland’s dog policy, Dog Management Bylaw and local dog access rules.  

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee says the proposals aim to strike a fair balance for everyone who uses Auckland’s public places. 

“We are so lucky to have a variety of public spaces to share in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s important we maintain a balance that respects everybody’s right to use them. 

“The changes being put forward aim to keep a good mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces so there are places for dogs, and anyone who is not a dog person, to enjoy. This will also help to protect vulnerable wildlife, like endangered shorebirds nesting on our beaches, and kauri in specific places”, she says. 

Data also shows that multiple dogs being walked together appears to be an emerging issue for Aucklanders, so a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at the same time is being proposed.  

“This aims to respond to the concerns in a way that’s fair and reasonable, without imposing unnecessary restrictions. Ultimately, everyone should feel safe and welcome to visit Auckland’s parks, beaches and public spaces – this is at the heart of these proposals. 

“This is a topic that people are passionate about – I know as well as anyone that we want the best for our beloved pets. Testing these changes with Aucklanders is key to making sure we have it right. If this is important to you, I strongly encourage you to have your say online, or at one of the many engagement events being held across the region.” says Josephine.

Some of the changes being put forward aim to help protect endangered native dotterels.

Doggy details – what are the proposed changes? 

The changes aim to maintain a balance of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces in Tāmaki Makaurau. They cover dog access rules (where dogs can go off a leash, on a leash, or are not allowed) at 14 regional parks and 64 places in local parks and beaches across the region. New off-leash areas are recommended, as well as changes to keep dogs out of places with vulnerable wildlife, and to provide some places for the public to visit that are dog-free. 

Under the proposed changes, people can walk a maximum of six dogs at once and only three of those dogs can be off a leash. This means you could walk three dogs off a leash at once, or three dogs off a leash and an additional three dogs on a leash, or six dogs on a leash.  

Finally, some existing rules in the policy and bylaw will be made clearer. This includes the need for any dogs classified as menacing and dangerous outside of Auckland to be neutered if they are moved here, rules and exemptions for working dogs and dogs in vehicles, plus dog access rules for places such as council car parks and camping grounds.  

What does the data say? 

Early feedback from Aucklanders, interviews with groups and individuals that have an interest in dog rules, and analysis of relevant data, including complaints to the council, animal management service requests and dog registrations, has shaped the proposed changes.

An analysis of dog-related complaint data found complaints about dog access rules not being followed and multiple dogs being walked at once. In a preliminary survey in March 2024, Aucklanders told us that owners not picking up after their dog, dogs wandering off-leash in on-leash areas and packs of dogs taking up pathways were of concern to them.  

Reviewing the data available to the council is a valuable first step when updating policies or bylaws. It has helped to show where the policy works well, and where improvements can be made. 

What could change in my area? 

Parks and beaches with proposed changes to local dog access rules include: 

Central/West 

North 

• Long Bay Regional Park 

• Te Ārai Regional Park 

• Snells Beach (Rodney) 

South 

• Waitawa Regional Park 

You can view the full list and changes being put forward in the statement of proposal documents for the policy and bylaw review (including regional parks) and local dog access rules. The documents are available on AKHaveYourSay 

Are we barking up the right tree? Have your say now. 

Have your say from Monday 20 January until 11.59pm on Sunday 23 February. You can take part online or at one of the 23 engagement events happening across the region.  

Visit AKHaveYourSay.nz to view the full list of proposed changes, find out more about the engagement events, and take part in the consultation.