From a $6.5 million community centre upgrade, through to making history with Te Atatū Marae, there's been a lot of work done, and more to come, after just 18 months of this Henderson-Massey Local Board term.
Chair Chris Carter says the board has been focussed on delivering for the community despite the challenges that have come their way.
“During the first half of the term we’ve been upgrading our community facilities, incuding Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre and, importantly, repairing West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre following the devastating Auckland Anniversary floods.
“We approved a historic land lease for an urban marae on Harbourview-Orangihina park and had our first ever citizenship ceremony on Hoani Waititi Marae. We’ve also supported the successful funding application for Te Whau Pathway.”
Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre upgrade
“Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre revamp is currently underway and we’re hoping to see it reopen very soon this year. Once the upgrade is finished, the community centre will be a place for all our community to come together and use a space that can cater for a wide range of activities,” says Carter.
This project will significantly improve the facility, with work including an expansion of the kitchen and decking, and extending replacement of all roofing, including four asbestos roofs which were deteriorating, guttering and exterior cladding.
Working with Māori
The board approved a historic land lease to Te Atatū Marae Coalition for an urban marae on Harbourview-Orangihina park recently, paving the way for the coalition to secure funding to complete future development.
Carter says he was particularly moved by the decision of the board to grant the lease.
“For our Māori community, this is a 50-year dream come true and the board is proud to help them reach this landmark.
“What also made us proud is we along with the other two West Auckland local boards, welcomed 80 people on the cusp of becoming New Zealanders and their guests onto Hoani Waititi Marae last year, for the very first marae-based citizenship ceremony in Auckland,” adds Carter.
Te Whau Pathway
Te Whau Pathway is a dual walking and cycling link that will connect the Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula and it’s a much loved and anticipated project in the community and beyond.
“We’ve joined with the other two west Auckland local boards to support the successful application to central government for an additional $14 million for Te Whau Pathway. The pathway will offer amazing recreational choices and lead to safer and more sustainable alternatives for travel. We believe it will make our great communities even better,” he says.
Te Whau Pathway construction in Te Atatū South, February 2024.
West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre reopening
The reopening of West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre was great news for locals when it reopened in October 2023, after the significant damage caused to the centre during Auckland’s Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
The board used $750,000 in funding to help with the significant repairs needed for West Wave to reopen in time for summer last year and plan ahead for the future.
“Despite tight budgets, our board prioritised the need to help make this possible and we are really pleased with what we’ve achieved.
“We’re proud of how much we’ve done during the half-term with our limited resources and look forward to continuing to provide the things that matter to the people of Henderson-Massey,” says Carter.
Goals for second half-term
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Work with Upper Harbour Local board on funding for an aquatic centre in the Hobsonville/ Massey area
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Work with communities affected by intensified housing to ensure public services and infrastructure meet people’s needs
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Progress on completing the public walkway around the coastal edge of Te Atatu Peninsula
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Improve road safety around local schools.
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