On Friday 20 November, iwi, local board representatives, key contractors and Auckland Council staff gathered before dawn for a karakia to bless the opening of Awakeri Wetlands Stage One.
Designed to open up former peaty farmland for future development, the wetland channel is also much more than a largescale piece of stormwater infrastructure, it is a re-creation of an ancient kauri swamp. Several of the giant ancient rakau (kauri logs) uncovered during construction have been left in place, giving the channel a unique appearance, and some of the rakau have been intentionally positioned to reflect mana whenua narratives of the area.
Mayor Goff said that the significant investment of over $100 million in the wetlands would prevent flooding and enable the development of new residential homes for around 15,000 people.
“However, this is a lot more than a residential development,” he says. “It recreates an ancient kauri swamp and create a natural wetland environment where we have planted more than 150,000 plants and trees.
“The wetland filters stormwater and will help lift the water quality of the Manukau Harbour.
“When complete, it will provide around 3.1km of walking and cycling paths, and a beautiful public open space for recreation.
“The development creates a fantastic legacy and a real asset for local residents and communities and for Auckland,” the mayor said.
The dawn blessing on Friday was followed by a public ceremony at Kauri Flats School on Walters Road where participants were joined by residents, contractors and school staff to watch Kauri Flats School students perform their school haka and listen to an address by Mayor Phil Goff.
Speaking at the event, Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole acknowledged that this project was the culmination of decades of work that could not have been achieved without the council amalgamation 10 years ago.
Healthy Waters general manager Craig McIlroy said of the project “I’m very proud of what’s been achieved here. Approximately 15,000 people are expected to call the surrounding area home over the next few years and they can enjoy this beautiful amenity on their doorstep.”
Along the banks of the channel are over 3km of shared pathways and low-level boardwalks connecting local residents in this emerging community to nature and surrounding areas.
