Auckland Council is 15 years old this month and to celebrate we’ve put together a selection of key local achievements, projects and upgrades that have grown and benefited communities across the region.
Local boards have a been a big part of the story since amalgamation in 2010, so take a look at some of the highlights we’re proud of in the city centre and central suburbs. Hope you are, too!
Albert-Eden Local Board
Potters Park playground and splashpad
The reserve boasts Auckland’s first splashpad.
The splashpad was opened by the board in 2013, and quickly become a splash with locals. Other features include a basketball court, learn to ride track and the iconic Boy Walking statue.
Potters Park.
Waterview Path
The Waterview Path is 3.4km stretch that connects Waterview with Mt Roskill.
The path opened in October 2017, and follows the picturesque Te Auaunga Oakley Creek. Along the way there are playgrounds, parks, a waterfall, iconic bridges, skate parks and a basketball court to enjoy.
Albert-Eden Schools Cultural Festival
The Schools’ Cultural Festival brings colour, passion and culture together. For more than two decades the event has been a staple in the Albert-Eden calendar.
You can catch the 2025 festival on November 29, at Mt Albert’s iconic Rocket Park.
Windmill Park and netball courts
In 2018, the local board upgrade the courts, and in 2024 the renewed pavilion opened.
The refurbished facilities at Windmill Park include an improved kiosk space, toilet facilities, first aid room and storage, which have brought back to life one of Auckland’s most popular parks.
Ōrākei Local Board
Ōrākei Basin Walkway
A popular destination for a stroll, Ōrākei Basin Walkway opened in 2010.
Ōrākei Local Board has since funded a new pontoon, a replacement jetty, a road accessway, a carpark, and supported the walkway upgrade and widening of tracks which was completed in 2019.
Ōrākei Basin.
The Landing
In 2024, Ōrākei Local Board finalised a concept plan to refresh The Landing on Tāmaki Drive after a thorough process of public consultation and refinement. The concept plan caters for a wider range of community needs at this seaside park. One action from this plan that has been achieved so far is the addition of a whare waka for waka ama storage.
Stonefields Heritage Trail
The Stonefields Heritage Trail, which opened in 2017, was created by transforming the old Mt Wellington quarry haul out road. The 1.2km route provides magnificent views over the suburb and wetlands. The site is unique in its geographical, archaeological and cultural significance for Auckland.
Remuera and St Heliers Libraries
In the last few years both libraries in the Ōrākei Local Board area have received seismic strengthening and restoration work to future proof them for years to come. Remuera Library has also recently extended its hours on a Thursday evening.
Puketāpapa Local Board
Taurangi playground and sportsfields
Situated in the Three Kings Quarry space behind Three Kings Reserve, the Taurangi playground and sportsfields have unlocked a new play spaces and critical fields for sports teams since opening in 2025.
Taurangi playground
Te Auaunga Oakley Creek restoration
Te Auaunga Oakley Creek is one of Auckland's longest urban streams. To protect the creek, the local board commissioned a plan for the awa.
The strategic approach allowed strong partnerships with mana whenua to flourish, which helped develop a tohu to represent the awa.
Implementation of the Greenways Plan (local paths) strategy
The Puketāpapa Local Board was the first local board to commission a greenways plan.
The plan helped with the implementation with elements of the Waikōwhai walkway [3.96MB], as well as securing Auckland Transport investment for shared pathways through Fearon Park and Harold Long, and Walmsley Park and Underwood Park.
Waitematā Local Board
Ellen Melville Centre upgrade
The local board identified a need for an attractive community hub in the city centre, and upgrades to The Women Pioneers and Ellen Melville Hall finished in 2017 to create what we now know as the Ellen Melville Centre.
Ellen Melville Centre.
Weona-Westmere Walkway
This walkway is a coastal route from Meola Road to Westmere Park Avenue, partially made of picturesque wooden boardwalks. Following the edge of Western Springs Creek estuary, you can enjoy birdsong as you pass through mangroves, pōhutukawa, nīkau, kōwhai and cabbage trees.
Waipapa Stream Restoration
Waipapa Stream in Parnell has benefitted from Waitematā Local Board funding for the last 10 years to enable community groups and volunteers to carry out a much-needed ecological restoration plan.
Te Rimutahi
The brand-new civic space in Ponsonby opened in 2025 offering locals and visitors a place to relax, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. Te Rimutahi was an aspiration before Auckland Council was formed, driven by the community.
