Spotlight on our local board neighbourhoods – Kaipātiki
With its heritage neighbourhoods in and around Northcote Point and Birkenhead, to the beautiful bays and parks dotted along the Waitemata Harbour coastline, the Kaipātiki area has become one of the fastest growing areas in the Auckland region over the past three years.
Kaipātiki is a popular place to live for the young and old. It's ideal for those who love the outdoors, with easy access to the harbour for fishing, swimming and paddle-boarding, as well as coastal bushwalks, parks and extensive sporting facilities.
The area offers residents and visitors a range of experiences, from the quaint, coastal village of Beach Haven and Victorian charm of Northcote Point, to the industrial and commercial hub of the Wairau Valley.
“Kaipātiki is a great place to live and work,” says local board chair Kay McIntyre.
“We have around 200 free events taking place in our parks and coastal reserves over summer, including 13 outdoor movies."
"These events are helpful for young families and others who want to get out and connect with their neighbours and surrounding communities,” she says.
Over the last few years, Kaipātiki Local Board has completed the following projects:
• Ferry services between Beach Haven and the city
• Upgrade of Glenfield Leisure Pool complex
• Upgrade of Beach Haven Sports Centre and Shepherds Park sports fields
• Completion and opening of the Opaketai Beach Haven Gardens
• Learn-to-ride facility for children in Lynn Reserve and Onepoto Domain
• Acquisition of 136 Birkdale Rd for community campus development
• Construction of Glendhu Road footbridge
Other important improvement projects underway include a set of projects that will positively transform Birkenhead Town Centre.
Last month work started on building a new public space platform that will look out over Le Roy’s bush from Birkenhead Avenue. Called Kaimataara o Wai Manawa, it will become an exciting new destination for visitors and locals to visit and enjoy and will include a new café.
Works are also underway at nearby Zion Hill Reserve to develop it into an attractive gateway park for the improving town centre.
Down the road from Birkenhead, a new community campus is being planned for Birkdale, and in Glenfield, renovation works are set to start to transform the old Marlborough Park Hall into the North Shore’s first youth-focussed centre.
Suburbs include: Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Chatswood, Birkdale, Bayview, Northcote Peninsula, Glenfield, Hillcrest, Marlborough and Totara Vale.
Kaipātiki population: 82,494 or 2 per cent of Aucklanders (2013 census).
Great things to do in Kaipātiki
• Take the family out for a picnic and bushwalk in the historic Chelsea Estate Heritage Park in Birkenhead
• Check out local artist exhibitions at Northcote’s North Art Gallery
• Enjoy a spot of fishing from the various wharves in Northcote Point, Island Bay and Beach Haven or try your hand at flounder fishing in the Beach Haven inlet
• Stand up paddleboard or kayak along the stunning Kaipātiki Coastline
• Hike through the area’s many walks, including Birkenhead’s Le Roy’s Bush
• The kids will love the Glenfield Leisure Centre for affordable swimming and hydro slide fun
• Check out the Summer Fun programme for free family events and outdoor movies
Did you know?
The name Kaipātiki means feeding ground for flounder. Flounder fishing is a popular local pastime in and around the inlet, surrounding Beach Haven peninsula area.
Check out OurAuckland Events for local events coming up and keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Kaipātiki by following the local board on Facebook.
