Playgrounds, walking tracks, sports facilities – just some of the assets Auckland Council invests in regularly for residents across Tāmaki Makaurau to use and enjoy.
The council has created brand new infrastructure and renewed existing assets all over Tāmaki Makaurau over the past 12 months. Projects were approved by local boards and the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, funded from a capital works budget of $208 million.
This budget is used to fund local board projects (new and renewals) such as playgrounds, sports fields, park fixtures and community buildings, as well as regional projects like seismic upgrades, storm repair works, regional parks, holiday parks and leasing renewals.
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committees says he’s proud of the work completed over the past year.
“Parks and facilities across Tāmaki Makaurau provide Aucklanders with spaces and opportunities to connect, stay active and enjoy a day out.”
“We are committed to keep renewing existing assets and creating more great infrastructure like basketball courts, boardwalks and playgrounds for the benefit of Aucklanders and to meet the future needs of Auckland’s growing population.”
Over the past 12 months dozens of these projects have been completed. We’ve chosen 10 to highlight here.
Tawaipereira Reserve renewal
This reserve on Waiheke Island underwent a major renewal including new park furniture and a shade sale, play space amenities, basketball court, learn to ride paths, pump track and cycle stands. New art at the site was co-designed with local iwi.
David Lange Park playground renewal
David Lange Park in Māngere has undergone an extensive upgrade. Works included the creation of Mataaoho – a large play tower - and playground surroundings, new accessible toilets, and refreshed basketball and skatepad areas. A cultural narrative was incorporated in the landscape and equipment to highlight features in the area and represent Māori history.
Patuone Reserve Walkway
The 1km long, 2.5m wide off-road path between Esmonde Road and Auburn Street in Takapuna has been upgraded. The path is made from concrete and timber boardwalks that meander through the canopy of old puriri trees and along the mangrove-clad estuary. It is a pleasant walking and cycling commuter route between Takapuna town centre and Akoranga bus station.
Birkenhead War Memorial Track upgrade
This walking track on the North Shore has been upgraded to a high standard to help prevent kauri dieback disease. The track includes new bridges and boardwalks with great views of the native bush. After being closed for five years, the track is already gaining popularity and its return is greatly appreciated by walkers.
Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre renewal
Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre underwent a major refurbishment and re-opened to the public in July. The building needed major repairs and was refurbished both inside and out to significantly improve the facility. Works included new roofing, new guttering and exterior cladding and a new exterior deck extension. Interior works included expanding the kitchen facilities and installing new flooring and curtains.
Local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki, were instrumental in the refurbishment, from the gifting of the name, Te Pae o Kura, through to the beautiful design work that will greet future users upon arrival and colour theme throughout.
Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre solar panel installation
Solar panels were installed on the roof of the Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre to minimise energy use. The Solar Photovaltaic (PV) array is a 144 kilo watt peak (kWp) system made up of 288 x 500W solar modules and a 110 KW inverter. It’s expected the system will generate approximately 335,900 kWh of electricity each year.
Shakespear Regional Park workshop building
A brand-new workshop building that will house machinery and equipment used to maintain the park has been built. It includes new solar panels to power the site.
Huapai neighbourhood park
The new park at Matua Rd in Huapai was built to meet the needs of new and future residents. The project included new play amenities, connecting pathways, landscaping, park furniture and a flat open space for activities such as kicking a ball around.
Caribbean Drive sports field upgrade and new toilet facility
This project in Unsworth Reserve aims to meet the growing demand for football and baseball in the Upper Harbour Local Board area. Works included upgrading sports fields with drainage, irrigation and LED lighting, constructing a new carpark with rain gardens, installing public accessible toilets and establishing footpath connections to the lower reserve. For baseball, a full-sized artificial diamond with cork infill and a senior-grade backstop fence with dugouts were installed.
Corban Estate Art Centre – restoration
This much-loved facility in Henderson underwent a major restoration. In 2023 parts of the estate were given a Category-A Heritage listing, making its protection even more important. The restoration project included seismic strengthening and recladding of the Opanuku building; large sections of the timber wall framing were replaced and reinforced. Most of the timber joinery was replaced to match the exact profile of the original existing windows. New fire egress stairs were installed on the exterior of the Barrell Store building.
