Auckland Council is investing more than $47 million over the next three years into parks and community facilities, through the Regional Capital Investment Work Programme.
On 25 July, $47,521,984 was approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee through to financial year 2026/2027.
The significant investment falls across seven areas including regional renewals and development ($13.8 million); commercial and residential leasing ($1.04 million); slips prevention and remediation ($1.8 million); local parks and sports field development ($11.6 million); seismic strengthening ($9 million); public art (3.4 million) and discrete projects ($6.7 million).
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, says the programme is a significant investment for the region.
“This $47 million allocation is a significant investment in infrastructure across the Auckland region.”
“From our stunning regional parks to the significant local community assets, to works to protect our coastal assets from the effects of climate change, these investments enhance what Aucklanders love about our city and will increase access and use of our public assets.
“As Tāmaki Makaurau grows, new facilities like sports field and parks are key to meeting the needs of residents now, and in the future.”
Deputy Chair Angela Dalton says the council owns an array of assets from Franklin in the south, to Rodney in the north.
“These assets need on-going investment to keep them up to spec so they can be used and loved by Aucklanders.
“We know our communities have such pride in our parks, reserves, public spaces and community facilities so it’s crucial we invest in them while also using council budgets wisely to the best results.”
All projects that are allocated funding go through an evaluation process.
Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says value for money was a key consideration of the programme and continues to be a focus through delivery.
“Infrastructure and amenities across Tāmaki Makaurau will receive much needed investment, benefitting all Aucklanders and visitors to the region.”
“All projects in the Regional Work Programme align with the strategic objectives of the council’s Long-term Plan.
“The council has applied prioritisation principles to achieve the greatest value for money in how and where capital funding is invested.”
Here’s a closer look at what the council is investing in.
Regional renewals and development
Work includes the renewal of existing park infrastructure across the region, like car parks, workshop facilities, plant and equipment, fixtures, fencing and tracks and toilets. The programme also includes the following key projects:
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building a new workshop at Ambury Regional Park, and providing better toilet and changing room facilities
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renewal of the depot building, at the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park, which was in poor condition and was affected by storm damage
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improving the car park, toilet facilities and associated infrastructure at Tāpapakanga Regional Park
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planning for the development of new visitor amenities at Te Arai and Mahurangi East regional parks
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improving infrastructure at Muriwai Regional Park and renewing a number of assets such as the tractor shed.
Farming
Farming activities occur on both regional and local parks. Proposed expenditure is for the seasonal purchase of livestock (as required) and the renewal of machinery and infrastructure critical to business operations.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Renewals include signage, the security system and components of the Potter Children’s Garden, together with roads, paths, fixtures and fittings.
A transformer is being installed which will power bigger events on the open grassed area.
A courtyard cover structure is also planned, which will provide a space for community meetings and events. A weaving platform is also planned.
Pukekawa / Auckland Domain
Work will focus on improving assets and infrastructure within Pukekawa /Auckland Domain. Funding has been prioritised for critical infrastructure and asset renewals, including paths, fixtures, wastewater pipes and sports field drainage.
It also includes renewal of the Centennial and Watson Bequest walkways, the historic glasshouses, and the Titoki Street Carpark.
Cemeteries
The Auckland Cemeteries work programme is driven by service needs, like demand for lawn burials, asset condition assessments and operational needs.
Work includes renewing plant and machinery, cremators, fixtures, equipment and roads, as well as continuing the upgrades of the Bob White Function lounge and administration building at Manukau Memorial Gardens, and refurbishing the chapels.
There is budget over the next three years for the planning and development of cemeteries related infrastructure and burial capacity.
Commercial and residential leasing
Refurbishment work has been prioritised as it is necessary to maintain our residential buildings and to meet requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy Home Standards.
Slip prevention and remediation
This work programme focusses on both remediating existing slips (prioritised according to risk and use) and preventing future slips.
Local parks and sports field development
Funding has been allocated to new park developments at Scott Point and Silverdale. Urban renewal and intensification is occurring in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Puketāpapa, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Kaipātiki local board areas, and is being supported by significant council investment in open space.
Funding has also been allocated for new park developments at Te Kori Scott Point, Kumeu, Riverhead, Silverdale, Ōrewa, Pukekohe and Papakura.
Seismic strengthening
While a review of current legislation by central government is planned, the council is still obligated to undertake seismic assessments and strengthening work required by the Building Act 2004. There are a number of council buildings that are in a poor condition and in need of renewal upgrades.
Some of the renewal projects may trigger the need for seismic strengthening as ‘substantial alterations’ through the building consent process, so this work will need to be funded to meet current legislative requirements.
The proposed work programme continues seismic strengthening work already underway. No new work is proposed to start in the 2024/2025 financial year, except:
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upgrades of Nathan Homestead and Remuera Library
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Leys Institute library and gymnasium which have been closed for some time, but have large support as valued community assets
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Titirangi War Memorial Hall and Library which is a Civil Defence Centre and has a leaking roof and failing roof structure.
Public art
The Public Art work programme continues delivery of artwork renewals, temporary artworks and projects funded by the City Centre Targeted Rate. Partnership approaches with mana whenua, other infrastructure and urban development agencies continue to evolve, as do efforts to diversify funding.
An advisory and commissioning support function also continues. Additional programme activity includes scoping for future work, removing and disposing of artworks which have reached the end of their life, and bringing new works into the collection.
Discrete projects
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s Ōrewa Beach erosion prevention project is the only project proposed for financial year 2024/2025, with funding proposed for the Whau, Howick, Kaipātiki and Henderson-Massey discrete projects in outer years.
