Waitangi weekend will look different for Aucklanders this year, as the effects of the unprecedented floods continue to impact people's homes, businesses, and the beaches and parks that Aucklanders hope to enjoy over the long weekend.
Auckland Council Chief Executive Jim Stabback says that while the damage assessments and clean-up of Auckland, including much-loved open spaces and community facilities, is progressing well, Aucklanders should be aware that there’s still a lot to be done.
“I can imagine many Aucklanders may want to get out and about this long weekend, and enjoy what glimmers of sunshine we may see, after a very wet and tough week.
“When planning your weekend activities, we encourage you to visit our website for the most up-to-date information we have on what parks, community facilities, beaches and roads are affected by flooding and should be avoided.
“Most of our libraries, pools and leisure centres have reopened and we look forward to welcoming you over the long weekend. However, some facilities remain closed or have reduced services because of flood damage, so check the details before you leave home,” he says.
The work to assess damage and clear debris across Auckland's extensive park network is ongoing and Mr Stabback says people should take extra care in all parks.
“With 28 regional parks and over 4000 local parks throughout Tāmaki Makaurau, our staff have a huge job to assess the damage from the past week, and many parks and tracks have not been checked yet.
“We need Aucklanders to consider their personal safety this weekend. Our emergency services are already stretched, and we don’t want people to put themselves in danger, particularly in the remote areas of our regional parks," he says.
“While most sports fields remain closed this weekend, to allow the grounds to recover, some have begun to reopen, and we appreciate the support we’ve had from Auckland’s sports organisations to communicate locally on the status of games.
“Unfortunately, we are expecting many of Auckland’s beaches to remain unswimmable this long weekend following the damage from the floods,” says Mr Stabback.
Auckland Council and Watercare are advising Aucklanders to stay out of the water this weekend until conditions have returned to ‘green’ on Safeswim.
The most up-to-date information on the water quality at Auckland’s beaches is available on the Safeswim website.
Earlier today Auckland Council and Manukau Urban Māori Authority announced the cancellation of Waitangi ki Manukau at Hayman Park due to the park conditions.
As Aucklanders are moving around this long weekend, they are reminded there will still be some road closures and diversions in place, and some public transport services may be reduced. Allow extra time for journeys and check at.govt.nz/weatherwatch for the most up-to-date travel information. If travelling further afield, make a travel plan as neighbouring regions also have road closures.
Further information
For the most up-to-date information on the status of Auckland Council parks, walking tracks and facilities visit the council website.
Read more about the status of our parks and sports fields.
Read more about the status of Auckland’s beaches.
Read more on the decision to cancel Waitangi ki Manukau.
To find out the status of Auckland’s Maunga after the floods visit Purongo / Tūpuna Maunga Authority
