Community-led action ramps up for Council’s flood resilience programme as central groups join network

Publish Date : 26 Jun 2025
William Souter Reserve Forrest Hill Before Tidied Up By Pupuke Birdsong Project
William Souter Reserve Forrest Hill before being tidied up by Pupuke Birdsong Project.
William Souter Reserve Forrest Hill After Tidied Up By Pupuke Birdsong Project
William Souter Reserve Forrest Hill after tidied up by Pupuke Birdsong Project.

Auckland Council has welcomed four new community organisations from central Auckland into its Making Space for Water programme, marking a key milestone in the city’s community-led approach to flood resilience.

These groups join a growing network of organisations already active across the north, west, and south, working with residents to restore waterways, raise flood awareness, and build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

Auckland Council’s Head of Sustainable Partnerships Tom Mansell says with the addition of these central Auckland groups, we’re deepening our reach into more communities and strengthening our ability to support local action.

“This is about empowering people to take the lead in preparing for future storms and protecting the places they call home.”

Earth Action Trust Co-ordinator Agnes Granada, agrees.

“At Earth Action Trust, we believe when we take care of the environment, we also take care of ourselves, our families, and our future.

“Flooding is becoming more common and can cause a lot of damage to our homes, communities, and nature.

“As a migrant-led group, we want to support our diverse communities to better understand these changes in weather and how we can work together to stay safe and strong.

“By joining the Community Flood Resilience Programme, we hope to share knowledge, raise awareness, and help build a cleaner, safer, and more connected community for everyone,” adds Granada.

Community organisations by area

Central Auckland (newly contracted)

  • Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao – supporting biodiversity and flood resilience in central suburbs.
  • Friends of Oakley Creek / Te Auaunga – restoring one of Auckland’s longest urban streams and engaging local communities.
  • St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS) – protecting the Waitītiko-Meola Creek ecosystem and enhancing its native biodiversity
  • Earth Action Trust – empowering migrant and refugee communities through environmental action and flood awareness.

South Auckland

  • BlueSpur Consulting – providing technical support and capacity building across southern catchments.
  • Beautification Trust – leading restoration and education in Papakura and Manurewa.
  • Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust – focused on the Ōtara Creek and surrounding areas.
  • Te Ararata Stream team – continuing their long-standing work in Te Ararata Stream, Māngere.

West Auckland

  • Whau River Catchment Trust – continuing its long-standing work in the Whau catchment.
  • EcoMatters Environment Trust – leading efforts in New Lynn, Avondale, Titirangi, Laingholm and Blockhouse Bay.
  • Community Waitākere – supporting Rānui, Henderson, Kumeū, and Waimauku.
  • McLaren Park Henderson South (MPHS) – leading efforts in Henderson South

North Auckland

  • Kaipātiki Project – enhancing resilience and ecological restoration in the Kaipātiki area.
  • Pupuke Birdsong Project – supporting biodiversity and flood mitigation around Lake Pupuke.
  • Pest Free Kaipātiki – mobilising communities to restore native habitats and manage stormwater.

What’s Happening in 2025?

These organisations are delivering a wide range of activities, including:

  • public workshops to improve flood literacy and catchment awareness
  • stream restoration and native planting to help manage stormwater
  • neighbourhood outreach, with some groups visiting residents door-to-door to talk about flood resilience and explore ways for people to get involved.

While the 2025 programme is now fully contracted, Auckland Council will continue to explore opportunities to work with additional organisations and communities from 2026 onwards.

For more information or to get involved, visit the main Auckland Council website

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