Auckland Council is asking for feedback from residents about future recreational activities for A F Thomas Park.
The Kaipātiki Local Board will run five weeks of public consultation from 20 October 2025, through to 23 November 2025, to hear from the community what recreational activities they would like part of the park land to be used for, which may include golf.
Auckland Council is looking to restore part of A F Thomas Park to a flood storage wetland and dry water detention areas while keeping the green space available to all Aucklanders to use when the park is not flooded.
Once completed, this comprehensive flood resilience (blue-green) network will significantly reduce flood risks across the Wairau catchment.
Martin Van Jaarsveld, Acting General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities encourages Aucklanders to have their say about the future recreational uses for the park through the public consultation process.
“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of A F Thomas Park, in its new chapter as both a vital flood storage wetland and multi-use park supporting recreation, connection and community wellbeing.
“This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a resilient, welcoming and multi-faceted open space to serve the community for many years to come.
“I urge locals and Aucklanders who have an interest in the future recreational activities of the park to submit their feedback during the public consultation process.
“Consultation can be completed online through AK Have Your Say, or using written feedback forms available at some libraries and leisure centres, and at a number of community sessions to be held in October and November.
“As part of the consultation process, regional organisations and interest groups will have the opportunity to formally present feedback to decision makers.”
The consultation is open to all Aucklanders.
In July 2025, Auckland Council confirmed a design concept that allows for both flood resilience and recreation to coexist at A F Thomas Park.
Craig Mcilroy, General Manager of Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience at Auckland Council says the transformation of A F Thomas Park will ultimately reduce flood risk to nearby areas.
“This project aims to significantly reduce downstream flood flows through Wairau Creek, and reduce flood risk to over 150 homes and three residential care homes in Milford. It will also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium.
“The work in A F Thomas Park is a critical first step to reduce the significant flood risk across the Wairau catchment and will enable wider flood resilience works in and around Nile Road, and the commercial areas of Wairau Valley.”
Following public submissions, a consultation report will be presented to the Kaipātiki Local Board in February 2026. In March 2026 the local board will make a decision about future recreational activities for the park.
How to have your say
Public consultation runs from 20 October 2025 and closes on 23 November 2025 at 11.59pm. Feedback can be completed through the AK Have Your Say website, and by submitting written feedback forms at a number of community events or via post.
