Auckland’s inclusive and accessible public and community spaces are game changers designed to meet the diverse needs of growing communities, offering new opportunities for people to connect, learn, and enjoy community life.
A Multi-Purpose Community Hub Built for the Future
The first of its kind in Auckland, Te Manawa in Westgate is more than just a library; it's a multi-purpose community hub built with the future in mind. Designed to serve a rapidly growing part of Auckland, it provides West Aucklanders with space and resources to explore, connect, and learn for generations to come.
Te Manawa’s children’s space, Te Whare Tapere, inspires creativity and play with storytelling stages and interactive designs.
Under one roof, Te Manawa houses a variety of valuable services, including a library, a creative hub, a commercial kitchen, recording studios, work and study areas, rooms for hire, and community-focused programmes and activities.
One of its highlights is the children’s space, Te Whare Tapere. Created by award-winning artist Robin Rawstorne and inspired by the concept of a pool in the middle of a forest glade, this space encourages play with a stage for storytelling and performance, cosy nooks, and movable book bins that allow the area’s shape and size to change.
Te Manawa is not just a hub; it's an award-winning example of design excellence. Having received public architecture awards and holding a 5 Green Star Custom Design rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, it showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility. Sustainable features include the collection and reuse of rainwater, solar power, and energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems.
Te Manawa, Auckland's first multi-purpose community hub, shines as a beacon of design and sustainability.
Unlocking the Benefits of Public Spaces
Beyond individual facilities like Te Manawa, public spaces as a whole play a crucial role in people’s lives. They serve as gathering places where people connect with one another, building a strong sense of community and improving well-being and quality of life.
- Libraries provide places to learn and develop.
- Playgrounds allow for play, exploration, and developing social skills.
- Community and leisure centres offer places to exercise, socialise, and provide safe spaces to try new activities.
- Parks connect us with nature and the outdoors, offering environmental benefits like habitats for native birds and trees that improve air quality.
Auckland's community hubs like Te Manawa create spaces for connection, learning, and growth.
Success Breeds Success: Expanding Innovative Community Spaces
Building on the success of Te Manawa, Auckland continues to innovate with new community spaces that address the unique needs of different areas.
In South Auckland, the Hayman Park playground has become a cherished community asset. This project is part of the wider Eke Panuku urban regeneration plan to support Manukau’s growth, attract investment in new homes and offices, and strengthen infrastructure for local communities, including the natural environment and public spaces.
As South Auckland's population continues to expand, facilities like Hayman Park playground are essential to meet the community's growing needs.
Hayman Park playground offers dynamic play experiences, including New Zealand’s tallest play tower, for children of all abilities. Credit: Eke Panuku Development Auckland
Dominating the skyline of Manukau with the country's tallest play tower at almost 13 metres high, the playground draws families from near and far. Beyond the impressive tower, visitors enjoy features like flying foxes, pump tracks, and a basketball half-court added in response to high community demand, catering to older children and teenagers.
Accessibility is a key aspect of Hayman Park's design. A carefully selected range of play equipment encourages diverse types of play including social, physical, cognitive and creative activities for various age groups. This includes large musical instruments such as chimes and a xylophone, a spinning wheel, moving platforms and talk tubes.
The playground also includes rubberised surfaces and interactive elements at ground level, making it welcoming for children with disabilities or those who prefer to stay closer to the ground. This thoughtful design ensures that all children can participate and have fun.
Hayman Park playground fills a significant void in a shortage of facilities offering dynamic play experiences in South Auckland. Credit: Eke Panuku Development Auckland
Historically, families in this area had less access to green spaces and often travelled to other parts of the city to find such amenities. The creation of this playground provides much-needed local recreational opportunities and is a key component of the Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui (the Puhinui stream regeneration). Hayman Park will eventually connect families to the Auckland Botanic gardens though a 3km pathway along the stream – linking nature, recreation and urban exploration.
Strategically located near Manukau town centre, Hayman Park benefits from increased accessibility and foot traffic, much like Te Manawa in Westgate. It is within a short walking distance of Manukau’s bus and train stations, making it convenient for families using public transport.
Manukau bus and train stations provide easy access to Hayman Park, ensuring families can enjoy the playground via public transport.
Spanning 10 hectares of parkland, the playground offers a multitude of activities suitable for all ages. It enriches Manukau by providing opportunities for active and adventurous play alongside shopping and dining experiences, thereby enhancing community life.
Expanding Community Spaces Across Auckland
The development of community hubs isn't limited to Westgate and Manukau; it's a city-wide initiative that includes other vibrant communities.
Tōia in Ōtāhuhu combines a library, aquatic centre, and indoor sports facilities within one complex. Te Oro is a music and arts centre for the local community and young people in Glen Innes. Both were major investments in fast-growing areas needing a range of modern facilities to bring newer and more established local communities together.
Looking ahead, new multi-purpose community hubs are being planned in the heart of Avondale (Te Hono) and Northcote, which will improve existing library services and provide new homes for a range of valuable services all under one roof.
Both are a key part of plans to rejuvenate these city fringe neighbourhoods to ensure there are fit-for-purpose facilities that meet the needs of these growing communities. Works are due to get underway on both of these next year.
Altogether Auckland: Tāmaki Turuki
Together, we can make Tāmaki Makaurau even better. Discover Auckland Council’s future-focused plan and learn how we’re transforming our city—visit OurAuckland.
