Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has today announced that the Hauraki Gulf Islands enter a prohibited fire season from 1 December, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires, and all previously granted fire permits are no longer valid.

Declaring the prohibited fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Region Manager Ron Devlin says El Niño-like weather patterns are expected throughout December.

“More frequent warm weather and windy conditions means there is a greater chance of a fire starting and spreading,” he says.

“Adding to this, a relatively damp and wet winter has led to exponential growth of scrub and grass, which has the potential over the coming months to dry out quickly, increasing the risk of a fire spreading rapidly.”

Ron Devlin says firefighting efforts on the islands can be difficult because they are geographically isolated from the rest of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

“Some islands and communities are only accessible by watercraft. By prohibiting people from lighting fires, we lessen the risk of fire.”

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

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

Source: Auckland Council

New staff are ready to assist, three native gecko residents are soon to arrive, and free updated trail maps are loaded with tips to guide walkers around nearby popular bush tracks.

For the first time since February this year, the Arataki Visitor Centre, seen as the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, is set to welcome visitors again in time for the summer.

Auckland Council’s western principal ranger Reg Phillips says the re-opening coincides with a special acknowledgement for the council’s Regional Parks team.

“Our staff commitment to caring for the park, the experiences of our visitors and operating the Arataki Visitor Centre to world class standards has recently been recognised by Recreation Aotearoa and industry peers, with our team receiving an international Green Flag award for excellence. It’s one more step to help us all strengthen the wairua of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park as a taonga (treasure) for Tāmaki Makaurau.”

Arataki Visitor Centre team leader Laura Peters says after storms earlier this year damaged surrounding roads and forced the beautiful building on Scenic Drive to close down, its 11-metre tall intricate kauri pou has been quietly keeping watch, and waiting.

“From this weekend, our pou – depicting the ancestors of our mana whenua partners Te Kawerau ā Maki – will once again be able to welcome manaaki visitors from near and far to the centre. We’ll be open every day from 9am to 5pm – except for Christmas Day,” Laura says.

A Friends of Arataki Kids Day on Saturday 2 December will re-open the centre with family-friendly activities from 11am to 3pm – rain or shine. For more information, visit here.

Many of the centre’s younger visitors will also be thrilled to see the return of Ina and Huna from Kids Day on, says Laura. The two popular bright green at-risk ‘elegant’ gecko, and Tau, a less colourful but also much-admired ‘forest’ gecko have been temporarily housed at Auckland Zoo since the centre closed. The gecko are soon to be accompanied at Arataki by a live display of native stick insects.

One of two ‘elegant’ gecko at the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Parking at the centre during Kids Day will be limited, so visitors should carpool if possible, or take advantage of a free shuttle running to Arataki and back from 221 Scenic Drive car park. 

Robin Taua-Gordon, from Te Kawerau ā Maki, reiterates Laura’s sentiment on how meaningful the centre re-opening is – especially for West Auckland’s mana whenua. “It will allow people to re-connect with Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa, and continue to learn the stories of Te Kawerau ā Maki,” she says.

Arataki Visitor Centre provides a convenient starting point for three popular Waitākere Regional Park bush walks of varying lengths, catering for all ages and fitness levels. Senior Ranger Jack Jones confirms that all Arataki track repairs have been completed and track signage updated.

“The shortest track, Arataki Nature Trail, is essential for all visitors,” he says. “It’s an easy 40-minute round trip bush walk that takes you through Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa. There’s plenty to see and learn along the way, with a Plant ID loop to improve your knowledge and a beautiful ‘kauri cathedral’.”

“Another popular walk you can start from Arataki is the Beveridge Track, which is a 30-minute walk one way and an hour return trip – a great option for those wanting more of a challenge,” Jack says.

More experienced walkers can complete the Slip Track loop, a two-hour circuit that winds through the incredible native bush of the Slip Track. This trail connects to Pipeline Road, where you’ll follow water pipelines along a service road. Eventually, you’ll join the Beverage Track, offering scenic views over the Lower Nihotupu Reservoir and the Manukau Harbour, finishing back at the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Parking at the centre is currently available from 6am to 9pm, allowing visitors to access Arataki’s popular viewing platform and the surrounding bush tracks during extended hours.

Popular exhibitions at the centre remain in place, with plans under way to host new displays throughout the summer and opportunities for learning.  

An exhibition by naturist and photographer, the late Jacqueline Geux, is planned in January 2024, following an extended postponement due to the storm closure. Geux’s exhibition will be worth the wait, says Laura, including photos documenting natural history in Aotearoa. 

Also returning to Arataki during weekends is the much-loved Danish Delight ice cream kiosk, serving up freshly baked waffle cones.

Laura reminds visitors that access from the Arataki Visitor Centre through to Piha along Scenic Drive remains closed.  

“Anyone looking to complete their Waitākere experience with a West Coast swim or surf will need to head back towards Titirangi and take Shaw Road to access Piha via the West Coast Road route,” she says. 

For more information on Arataki Visitor Centre, visit the Auckland Council website here.

Source: Auckland Council

The Te Whau Pathway, a dedicated dual walking and cycling link that will connect the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, is one step closer to becoming a reality after construction resumed today, on a section of the walkway in Te Atatū.

The section is a four-metre-wide designed pathway for walkers and cyclists from State Highway 16 and Bridge Avenue to Roberts Field.

To date the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) fund has confirmed $49.3 million for the Te Whau Pathway project along with $4.8 million from Auckland Council.

The Government’s IRG fund was set up in 2020 to assess projects from the private and public sector to stimulate the construction industry, its workforce and the economy.

Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He’s thrilled that work has resumed on the pathway.

“The West Auckland community will benefit immensely once this connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Te Atatū South to Roberts Field has been completed.

“Unwavering community support for this project has been crucial in securing its progress. Thanks to the tireless efforts of many members of the public, from advocacy groups to high school students, this section of the pathway will be enjoyed by cyclists and walkers for years to come.”

The project was paused in December 2022 when construction and material costs increases, coupled with emerging budget pressures, highlighted a significant funding shortfall. 

As a result of prior funding, the steel and decking is already procured. Detailed design has been completed, resource consent granted and compliance management plans approved.

Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities welcomes the works commencement.

“With summer soon upon us, it’s a great time of year for works on the Te Whau pathway to kick off again and make some steady progress. This is great news for residents and those who want to use the pathway.

Te Whau Pathway concept design. Source: LandLAB

Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust is a volunteer organisation led by chair Tony Miguel.

Mr Miguel says he’s delighted that construction on the Te Whau Pathway will recommence soon and hopes that will provide the impetus for completion in the future for the benefit of all Aucklanders, as well as the West.

“The Trust has been promoting and lobbying hard in the background, alongside the council to see sections of the pathway delivered to the highest possible standard for our community. I’m excited to see construction of this section of the walkway commence. The Trust would like to thank Mayor Wayne Brown, councillors, the chairs of the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards and MPs (and ministers under the previous government) Phil Twyford, Carmel Sepuloni and Deborah Russell for their support.”

Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Council, Auckland Transport (AT), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, with government as a major funder and Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust leading the project.

Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, the pathway would connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.

Source: Auckland Council

Vulcan, Durham, High, O’Connell, Fort, Snickle, Elliott, Federal, Galway, Tyler, Little Queen – our list of vibrant, quirky, charismatic laneways is growing.

This summer there’s no need to look across the Tasman for the street vibe of Melbourne’s laneways. Our very own joined-up laneways network is right on your doorstep.

Walk with us through our laneways – some with refreshed design and artworks, some with new trees and rain gardens and some with long-time loyal fanbases.

Federal Street zen

The Sky Tower end of Federal Street has long been a magnet for delicious food, glamour and good times, but there’s a new kid on the block bringing a zen vibe.

The newly upgraded Mayoral Drive end of Federal Street was opened by Auckland Council in July 2022 with an inclusive feel, enhanced lighting, 13 new native trees, nine rain gardens filtering stormwater before it reaches the waterways, and a shared space.

Feel the freedom of walking or riding down the middle of the street, breathe the clearer air, and notice a new mural by artists Teare Turetahi and Abigail Aroha Jensen (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) who blend their solar, lunar and stellar knowledge into a stunning work of art.

Famous ridgeline 

The free spirit of Auckland’s city centre, Karangahape Road forms the southern bookend of the city centre. Fresh from a significant makeover completed in 2021, K Road is edgy, diverse and authentic while also a charming, uber-modern, smoothly functioning street aka laneway. Discover the energy, colour, people, music, lights, art, nightlife, shops and new design elements which celebrate the Māori adventurers who walked this ridgeline between harbours hundreds of years ago. Read more here.

Labyrinth of lanes

Pinch yourself as you wander through the laneways in our High Street District – Vulcan Lane (upper and lower), High Street, Freyberg Square, O’Connell Street and Fort Lane.

Let the romantic in you take over for a milli-second and imagine you are meandering through the intimate walking lanes of Barcelona or Bilbao or Berlin. While our laneways are young, by comparison, they are starting to nourish the soul in the same way.  

Whether it’s sitting at tables along curbsides of narrow streets or strolling through the heart of our fully pedestrianised lanes, you are largely protected from through-traffic. You’ll find places to sit and spend time, smell delicious food and hear live music.

This summer, passionate people are bringing diverse expressions of art and music to these special city centre streets and squares.

Eastside

On your journey along Queen Street towards the sea, veer off to the east and look up to the sky. Durham and Vulcan Lanes are often adorned with overhead art.

If it’s a Thursday evening in the second half of December you might hear sultry saxophones and toe-tapping beats, laced with the rich character of our historic Vulcan Lane. Read more here.

Queen of streets

The design of Queen Street has been renewed from Mayoral Drive to the sea, giving priority to people who walk. So get your stride on (or scoot or ride) and discover the new eight-metre-wide footpaths (in places) and our new Waihorotiu path. Read more here.

Once you reach our downtown square, Te Komititanga, weave a path to the east and find stunning Galway Street. Let yourself be captivated by the area’s urban charm as the smoothed edges of this walking street lead you to one of Auckland’s hospitality gems: Britomart and Takutai Square. Read more here.

Waterfront lanes

Not strictly a lane, but take a stroll along our new, calmer, leafier Quay Street and find Te Wānanga on the seaward side. It’s an award-winning architectural take on a rocky tidal shelf, with openings like rock pools and steel balustrades like giant kina shells. Its organic shape was inspired by the sandstone headlands of the Waitematā Harbour. Read more here.

And don’t miss the space between Halsey and Daldy Streets in Wynyard Quarter called Tiramarama Way. Featuring foot-powered fountains and purposeful puddles designed to rise and fall with the tides, the laneway provides an opportunity for fun. And if you hear the song in your head – Where do the children play? – click here.

There’s a laneway for everyone this summer.

Find out about the next big development – the midtown regeneration – at ProgressAKL.co.nz/Midtown.

Source: Auckland Council

Get ready for a summer of fun as Auckland Council announces its lineup of blockbuster events, and profiles some of the best spots across Tāmaki Makaurau to make this the best summer ever!  

Watch the year’s biggest film Barbie on your beanbag at Movies in the Parks, boogie at the beach with Che Fu and King Kapisi as HedLok – dancing shoes not required – or make the most of the longer days on any of our stunning tracks, bush, maunga and walkways.

Auckland Council has a variety of places, parks, pools, walks, community facility splashpads and playgrounds to keep you entertained – whatever the weather.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, believes there’s something for everyone this summer:

“After a tough few years with COVID disruptions and extreme weather events, Aucklanders are looking forward to a well-deserved summer with whānau and friends,” Councillor Hills said.

“There are so many places around Tāmaki Makaurau that the whole whānau will enjoy. Make the most of these amazing events, get outside and enjoy some of our 4000 world-class parks and take in the city lights – without breaking the bank.”

Check out this list of 50 fun free things to do in Auckland this summer, or head to OurAuckland and search ‘summer’ for plenty of ideas on how to make this your best summer yet!

Music in Parks

Summer favourite Music in Parks brings diverse and vibrant local musical talent to Auckland’s coastlines.

With line-ups including Hedlok made up of Kiwi icons Che Fu and King Kapisi, Sola Rosa Sound System and Annie Crummer at locations from Māngere to Snells Beach, this unique fusion of music and nature will transform our beaches and green spaces into not-to-be-missed concert venues.

This year, several shows will be held beachfront at some of the most beautiful seaside parks in Tāmaki Makaurau so you can vibe to the music and the rhythm of the waves all summer long!

Don’t miss the perennial favourite Opera in the Park at two stunning locations – St Heliers and Ambury Regional Park; and be there as Music in Parks heads to a brand-new location – the bustling Ōtara Markets in partnership with Ōtara Music and Arts Centre (OMAC).

To find out which Music in Parks concert is taking place near you, go to musicinparks.co.nz.

Movies in Parks

Experience the magic of outdoor cinema as Movies in Parks returns for another blockbuster season.

This year, we have eight epic free film screenings across Tāmaki Makaurau to make the most of the warm summer evenings.

Hit up the group chat and get the whole gang along for a special screening of 2023’s biggest movie – Barbie – be sure to dress up in pink!

Or bring the whole whānau along for a movie experience to entertain adults and kids alike, the 2023 smash hit – The Super Mario Bros. Movie. And don’t miss family favourites Encanto, Coco and Paddington 2.

To see the full Movies in Parks line-up, head to moviesinparks.co.nz.

Head to the city centre

This summer, Myers Park visitors are ditching their shoes, imagining the thrill of the circus, crafting their backyard football skills in an inflatable arena and dancing with hula hoops!

There are 15 free family events available in Myers Park every weekend from February until April, including Circus in the Park, Nature Play, Hungerball and Pop-Up Play – funded by the city centre targeted rate. 

The kids will discover new ways to play, learn new skills, make new friends, form new bonds, and in between the action they’ll grow to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this treasured city park.

For more information click here.

Make the most of what Auckland has to offer

Auckland is the world’s 10^th most liveable city according to the 2023 Global Liveability Index, and with an incredible backyard on our doorstep and fun affordable facilities like these available – we can see why! 

Get your walking shoes on to explore some of the 28 regional parks available or take a picnic to one of the over 4000 parks, playgrounds, beaches, splash pads or green spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau! Check this map to make sure your track is open before you travel.

If the beach is calling, head to any of the 52 Auckland Council Library locations beforehand to pick up one of our Top 100 Books to read while you lie beachside, poolside, or even couch-side! Just dust the sand out from the pages before you return it.

If the beach isn’t your thing, then Auckland Council has 27 pools for a fun, affordable way to keep busy and cool down this summer. Visit a summer icon, Parnell Baths for its annual limited season, or be sure to head to the newly reopened West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre for a wave pool to keep the kids entertained! Remember, entry to our pools is free for rangatahi and tamariki aged 16 and under.

Whether it’s heading to an event or just finding a nice spot in your favourite park or beach to sit, breath in and relax, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the place to be!

Source: Auckland Council

New staff are ready to assist, three native gecko residents are soon to arrive, and free updated trail maps are loaded with tips to guide walkers around nearby popular bush tracks.

For the first time since February this year, the Arataki Visitor Centre, seen as the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, is set to welcome visitors again in time for the summer.

Auckland Council’s western principal ranger Reg Phillips says the re-opening coincides with a special acknowledgement for the council’s Regional Parks team.

“Our staff commitment to caring for the park, the experiences of our visitors and operating the Arataki Visitor Centre to world class standards has recently been recognised by Recreation Aotearoa and industry peers, with our team receiving an international Green Flag award for excellence. It’s one more step to help us all strengthen the wairua of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park as a taonga (treasure) for Tāmaki Makaurau.”

Arataki Visitor Centre team leader Laura Peters says after storms earlier this year damaged surrounding roads and forced the beautiful building on Scenic Drive to close down indefinitely, its 11-metre tall intricate kauri pou has been quietly keeping watch, and waiting.

“From this weekend, our pou – depicting the ancestors of our mana whenua partners Te Kawerau ā Maki – will once again be able to welcome manaaki visitors from near and far to the centre. We’ll be open every day from 9am to 5pm – except for Christmas Day,” Laura says. “It’s wonderful to be back in this special location again.”

A Friends of Arataki Kids Day on Saturday 2 December will re-open the centre with family-friendly activities from 11am to 3pm – rain or shine. For more information, visit here.

Many of the centre’s younger visitors will also be thrilled to see the return of Ina and Huna from Kids Day on, says Laura. The two popular bright green at-risk ‘elegant’ gecko, and Tau, a less colourful but also much-admired ‘forest’ gecko have been temporarily housed at Auckland Zoo since the centre closed. The gecko are soon to be accompanied at Arataki by a live display of native stick insects.

One of two ‘elegant’ gecko at the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Parking at the centre during Kids Day will be limited, so visitors should carpool if possible, or take advantage of a free shuttle running to Arataki and back from 221 Scenic Drive car park. 

Robin Taua-Gordon, from Te Kawerau ā Maki, reiterates Laura’s sentiment on how meaningful the centre re-opening is – especially for West Auckland’s mana whenua. “It will allow people to re-connect with Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa, and continue to learn the stories of Te Kawerau ā Maki,” she says.

Arataki Visitor Centre provides a convenient starting point for three popular Waitākere Regional Park bush walks of varying lengths, catering for all ages and fitness levels. Senior Ranger Jack Jones confirms that all Arataki track repairs have been completed and track signage updated.

“The shortest track, Arataki Nature Trail, is essential for all visitors,” he says. “It’s an easy 40-minute round trip bush walk that takes you through Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa. There’s plenty to see and learn along the way, with a Plant ID loop to improve your knowledge and a beautiful ‘kauri cathedral’.”

“Another popular walk you can start from Arataki is the Beveridge Track, which is a 30-minute walk one way and an hour return trip – a great option for those wanting more of a challenge,” Jack says.

More experienced walkers can complete the Slip Track loop, a two-hour circuit that winds through the incredible native bush of the Slip Track. This trail connects to Pipeline Road, where you’ll follow water pipelines along a service road. Eventually, you’ll join the Beverage Track, offering scenic views over the Lower Nihotupu Reservoir and the Manukau Harbour, finishing back at the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Parking at the centre is currently available from 6am to 9pm, allowing visitors to access Arataki’s popular viewing platform and the surrounding bush tracks during extended hours.

Popular exhibitions at the centre remain in place, with plans under way to host new displays throughout the summer and opportunities for learning.  

An exhibition by naturist and photographer, the late Jacqueline Geux, is planned in January 2024, following an extended postponement due to the storm closure. Geux’s exhibition will be worth the wait, says Laura, including photos documenting natural history in Aotearoa. 

Also returning to Arataki during weekends is the much-loved Danish Delight ice cream kiosk, serving up freshly baked waffle cones.

Laura reminds visitors that access from the Arataki Visitor Centre through to Piha along Scenic Drive remains closed.  

“Anyone looking to complete their Waitākere experience with a West Coast swim or surf will need to head back towards Titirangi and take Shaw Road to access Piha via the West Coast Road route,” she says. 

For more information on Arataki Visitor Centre, visit the Auckland Council website here.

Source: Auckland Council

Free from predators like stoats, Norway rats and possums, Aotea / Great Barrier is home to many native species – kākā, pāteke, wētā and chevron skinks (moko taniwha).

Unfortunately, ship rats have made their way to the island and feral cats have made it their home, putting those native species under threat.

Now a large-scale, mana whenua-led project is underway to eradicate them.

Makere Jenner, who lives on the tiny island of Rangiāhua off the coast of Aotea / Great Barrier, is Tū Mai Taonga project lead.

Passionate about the role and the chance to leave long-term benefits for future generations, she says it is one of the biggest benefits of the project.

“Mana whenua look at timelines and priorities differently to other organisations; our long-term plan is at least 100 years. It’s beneficial to look at conservation in longer terms because it requires consistent long-term investment of funds, effort, research, knowledge, and everything in between to be successful.

“As mana whenua, we’ve always been here, and we will always be here. So, whether this project succeeds or fails or falls somewhere in between, we’re here to either reap the benefits or cop the fallout, which means we’re going to put a heck of a lot into making sure that it does succeed.”

Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea gained a mandate from the island’s community groups to lead Tū Mai Taonga and the project team of approximately 30.

They work alongside Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, and other environmental groups to ensure their work programmes are complementary.

Makere says the project is enabling whānau to move back to the island to do meaningful work.

“Our field team is hugely committed to the long-term outcomes as well as the career opportunities the project offers.

“Many have received training in first aid, the use of 4-Wheel Drives and safe handling of chemicals in the field giving them long-term skill for future employment or tertiary study. Training and mentoring will help build the conservation workforce needed to achieve a predator-free Aotea.”

Auckland Council’s Head of Natural Environment Delivery Phil Brown says there are two key benefits.

“As well as the biodiversity outcomes for Aotea which includes mana whenua exercising kaitiakitanga, the other beneficiary is the island economy. Tū Mai Taonga is now one of the largest employers on the island.”

The long-term aim is eradication of predators which will have ongoing biodiversity outcomes for the island.

The project has Jobs for Nature funding through Predator Free 2050 Limited and the Department of Conservation. Auckland Council has provided funding through Ngā Mātārae Māori Outcomes Directorate and Environmental Services.

Source: Auckland Council

Mayor Wayne Brown is proposing that Aucklanders pay no more than $50 a week on public transport, including bus, rail, and inner harbour ferry services.

“We need to get the most out of what we’ve already got and focus on doing more for less. This is just one example of a practical cost-effective improvement that can make a big difference for Aucklanders,” says Mayor Brown.

The new $50 cap would automatically be applied to HOP cards and comes at an estimated cost of $1.3 million based on current subsidies. Auckland Transport has also been asked to look at the feasibility of an annual pass.

From next year, people will be able to tap onto a bus, train, or ferry using Open Loop ticketing (using payWave, Apple, Google Pay, contactless debit and credit cards in addition to their current HOP card) to travel on public transport. Those with concession fares, will continue to use their existing AT HOP cards. This will reduce barriers to public transport for Aucklanders and visitors to the region, before adopting a government-led National Ticketing System (NTS).

In the preliminary mayoral proposal, the Mayor has earmarked $400 million for network optimisation and dynamic lanes, to get Auckland’s buses and traffic moving.

Progress on Auckland’s rapid transport network would focus on busways, in addition to finishing the City Rail Link. This involves completing the Eastern busway, progressing the Northwestern Busway, and upgrades to the Northern Busway. Improvements to transport corridors from Mangere to the Airport Precinct, and the Airport Precinct to Botany are also included in the proposal.

More than $200 million is proposed for small capital works to improve the reliability of buses, as well as the standard of stops, shelters, and passenger safety.

“In recent years, our public transport system has been in crisis, but we have made progress on resolving the bus driver shortage and passenger numbers have increased to 80 percent of pre-COVID levels. We must focus on making it easier for Aucklanders to get around,” says Mayor Brown.

The preliminary mayoral proposal outlines efforts to cut congestion by progressing with Time of Use charges and reduce transport emissions in line with the national target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Next month, the Budget Committee will vote on what items from the preliminary mayoral proposal go to public consultation in February 2024. The final 10-year Budget (Long-Term Plan) 2024-34 will be adopted in June 2024.

Source: Auckland Council

The most recent species of gecko to be ‘described’ in New Zealand has been officially named.

Local iwi, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara has gifted the name Korowai gecko (Woodworthia korowai) to the endemic new species in a paper published in the scientific journal Zootaxa.

This ingoa (name) references the south Kaipara Peninsula / Te Korowai o Te Tonga, where the moko (gecko) is found and the markings which cloak its tuarā (back).

Rediscovered nearly a decade ago, the species is one of just two new residents to reside in duneland habitat behind popular Muriwai Beach near New Zealand’s most populated city.

Auckland Council’s General Manager Environmental Services Rachel Kelleher says very little is known about the Korowai gecko whose conservation status is listed as nationally – vulnerable.

“It is rare to have a new species on our doorstep and with a population of fewer than 200 individuals, it becomes our responsibility to safeguard these vulnerable geckos.

“Since rediscovering them in 2014, Auckland Council has been leading research to try to learn more about the animal, understand its distribution, its population size and its habitat preferences to determine the best conservation management actions and the priority they are given.”

Photo credit: Dylan van Winkel

The council has just completed a five-year monitoring programme of the new species led by Dylan van Winkel of Babbage Consultants’ Bioresearches team.

“The survey has been invaluable in giving us insights into the status of this new species.

“This gecko is one of the most geographically challenged, occupying an area of less than 500 km2 within Muriwai Regional Park.

“The popularity and recreational use of the park’s dune system threatens the gecko’s habitat. When you have 4 wheel drives tearing through the dunes and beachgoers clambering over them, these creatures are exposed and at risk.

“We hope the public will recognise the value of the coastal environment and the unique and sensitive duneland of Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach, be mindful of their behaviour and encourage conservation efforts to protect this newly described species and its habitat.”

As part of the study, council researchers have also been trying to learn more about the animal pests the gecko shares its environment with.

The project has been funded by the general and natural environment targeted rates.

Source: Auckland Council

A new level of accessible play is coming to the Gould Reserve Playground at Takapuna Beach this summer with the official opening of some exciting upgrades to the popular play space on 16 December. 

“There’s some really cool new equipment going in at Takapuna Beach, including the first public accessible swing that allows the user to swing themselves, an accessible seesaw and spring car that chairs can be wheeled onto for independent play,” explains Steph Westmore from Auckland Council’s Parks and Community Facilities team. 

“There’s also talk tubes and singing flowers that provide multi-sensory stimulation.” The accessible swing will be surrounded by a sensory garden of ornamental planting that provides year-round perfumed flowers, which are scheduled to be planted in April.  

These features will be placed near the reserve’s recently-upgraded toilet block that includes a fully accessible Changing Places bathroom.  

The project has been paid for primarily by Takapuna locals, the Reeves family, with the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board funding connecting paths to new accessible barbeques and picnic tables with views onto the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.  

Other upgrades include a monorail cart, slide, tunnel, balance beams and trampoline. 

Local Board chair Toni van Tonder, who will be MCing the opening event, is proud to see this project coming to Takapuna. 

“Huge thanks to the Reeves family for making this contribution to the families of Takapuna so that there are more play options available that make all our tamariki and rangatahi feel included. And thank you also to the council staff whose hard work has made this happen in time for the summer break.” 

Find out more about the opening event on 16 December on the local board’s Facebook page here. 

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