Ōtaki o te Wai (near Middlemore) in Papatoetoe has long been seen as a neighbourhood full of promise – a place where quality housing, green spaces, and good connections could come together to create a vibrant, thriving community.
For the past three years, Auckland Council, Watercare, and Auckland Transport have been working with Kāinga Ora to plan the pipes, roads, and other services needed to support more homes in the Ōtaki o te Wai / Middlemore Crescent area.
Together, the teams have identified and agreed on the scope and plans for water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades, as well as the open space and transport network improvements required to support this growth.
Ōtaki o te Wai is part of the Māngere Large-Scale Project (LSP) and has been highlighted in Auckland Council’s Future Development Strategy as a key area for growth.
Its location near Middlemore Hospital, schools, train stations, and parks makes it ideal for well-planned redevelopment. The Middlemore Crescent neighbourhood has been identified as a priority area for Auckland Council to support in part due to the Government’s long-standing intention to redevelop housing in the area.
In April 2025, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board wrote to Housing Minister Hon Christopher Bishop, reaffirming its strong support for the Ōtaki o te Wai LSP. In May, the Minister acknowledged the board’s advocacy, noting the area is still in the planning phase, with the business case yet to be finalised or funded.
However, following changes in Government priorities through Budget 2025, funding for some parts of Kāinga Ora’s housing programme has been shifted. This includes Ōtaki o te Wai, meaning the redevelopment is now on hold.
The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has been a strong supporter of the project and has worked hard to represent the hopes and aspirations of the local community. The board is disappointed by the pause, especially after years of planning and advocacy, and believes the area deserves continued investment and attention.
Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “This neighbourhood has everything it needs to be something really special,” the board said. “We know what this community wants - safe, warm homes, reliable infrastructure, and spaces where whānau can thrive. That vision hasn’t changed, and neither has our commitment to seeing it realised.”
Kāinga Ora will continue to manage social housing in the area as usual, and any work already underway will carry on. Auckland Council is now reviewing what this change means for its own plans and timelines for the area.
On 29 May, the Governing Body approved new Infrastructure Investment Priority Areas (item 12), Otaki o te Wai is included within the Māngere priority area. The Council’s 10-Year Budget (2024–2034) and 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy identify these areas for future investment in housing, transport, and essential services to support planned growth. Middlemore is also a focus of the Local Area Plan addendum, reinforcing its role in Auckland’s long-term development.
Ōtaki o te Wai remains a place of huge potential.
The local board will continue to advocate for the community and work with Auckland Council, Kāinga Ora, and other partners to ensure that, when the opportunity returns, the groundwork is in place to move forward.
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