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.
Since amalgamation in 2010, local boards have played an important role in shaping our neighbourhoods, so take a look at some of the highlights we’re proud of north of the Harbour Bridge.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
People love walking and cycling along the Te Ara Tahuna Walkway and Cycleway, a scenic 7.6 km route that opened in 2011 and which links Millwater, Red Beach and Ōrewa around the estuary.
Local library upgrades have created better spaces for everyone to learn, connect, and get involved.
Whangaparāoa Library was renovated several years ago, with upgrades to its interior and courtyard making it more welcoming and usable.
In 2021, a major renovation transformed the inside of East Coast Bays Library, adding much-needed space.
More recently, Ōrewa Library got a full upgrade including a brand-new mezzanine floor, creating even more room for study, events, and community programmes.
Play spaces across the local board area have had a major boost, giving families and children more places to play, explore, and spend time outdoors.
The park at Harvest Avenue in Ōrewa is a modern neighbourhood park that combines fun with climbing frames, a treehouse slide, and musical play.
Upper Harbour Local Board
Major investment in sport and recreation facilities have made a real splash in the community.
Opened in January 2017, Albany Stadium Pool is a standout facility offering a heated programme pool for learn-to-swim lessons, a fun family play space, and gym facilities.
In Unsworth Heights, the Caribbean Drive upgrade has delivered modern fields with better drainage, new lighting, and facilities to support a range of sports including a new baseball diamond.
People across Upper Harbour have welcoming places to meet and run local groups with community hubs upgraded over several years.
The former RNZAF Headquarters building at Hobsonville Point was transformed into a multi-use community facility, retaining its heritage character and offering rooms for meetings, events, and programmes.
Sunderland Lounge in Hobsonville Point was refurbished inside and out with upgrades such as painting, new windows, toilets and meeting spaces, making it a more functional and comfortable facility for local people.
The Albany Community Hub opened in 2017 and provides a welcoming space for locals to connect, attend events, access services, and take part in a wide range of community activities.
Meadowood Community House in Unsworth Heights was given a full makeover in 2022 and has warm and inviting spaces for community groups and activities.
Play spaces have had a major boost, giving families and children more places to play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Observation Green in Hobsonville features a modern playground and learn-to-ride track. Collins Park in Greenhithe has new accessible equipment and shaded seating, and Ponderosa Reserve in Unsworth Heights offers fun for all ages, from slides to a soccer goal wall.
Rodney Local Board
Sport and recreation facilities are stronger than ever across Rodney.
The Warkworth Showgrounds feature upgraded courts, floodlighting, improved parking and paths while Rautawhiri Park has seen upgraded courts, changing rooms, and walkways.
New walkways, bridges and footpaths are helping people get around Rodney more easily.
In Warkworth, a new link connects the transport hub to the Showgrounds through Kōwhai Park. A footpath in Dairy Flat now provides a safer walking route for tamariki and families, linking Dairy Flat School to nearby homes alongside the busy highway. A pedestrian bridge in Wellsford improves safety with a route away from State Highway 1 and over the railway line.
Community centres, war memorial and historic halls are safer, more resilient, and built to serve for many years to come.
The historic Warkworth Town Hall was restored and reopened in 2017, preserving its heritage and providing a welcoming space for community events and gatherings.
The Mahurangi East Community Centre reopened after a multi-million-dollar renovation that addressed weathertightness, seismic, and fire-safety issues. It now provides flexible, modern spaces for classes, events, sports, a library, and community gatherings.
The Helensville War Memorial Hall reopened following a multi-million-dollar upgrade to improve weathertightness and seismic resilience. It now brings together community services such as the library, service centre, RSA, and art centre under one roof in a safer, more welcoming facility.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
Created in 2015 to shake up what people expect from a library with bold, modern design and flexible spaces for the community, Devonport Library has been warmly welcomed by the local community with major increases in new memberships.
Takapuna Beach Playground is one of Auckland’s most accessible and beautiful spots, featuring wheelchair-friendly play equipment, safe swimming, stunning Rangitoto views, and a fully accessible Changing Places bathroom.
A key community hub funded by the local board, Sunnynook Park offers sport, play, and recreation for all ages. With a 1 km path, outdoor fitness equipment, playground, and upgraded facilities, it supports year-round use for clubs, families, and the wider Sunnynook community.
Patuone Walkway connects people and nature – a scenic, step-free path from Esmonde Road through mangroves and native bush to Takapuna’s Auburn Reserve. Loved by cyclists, walkers, and families alike.
Kaipatiki Local Board
Just 30 minutes from the CBD on public transport, the 60-metre-high Kauri Glen Reserve Bridge opened in April 2024 and is a true feat of engineering, offering spectacular, accessible views over the forest tree line, while keeping our precious kauri safe from dieback.
Funded and developed by the local board, the 2.6 km step-free Tuff Crater walking track lets the community explore a unique volcanic crater and mangrove wetland, while enjoying stunning harbour views, city skyline vistas, and abundant birdlife.
Beach Haven’s serene coastline is now accessible to all via a newly upgraded step-free walkway, offering stunning views from Shepherds Park or a longer scenic journey to Hellyers Creek.
The board-funded, Kaipātiki Project Eco Hub is a custom-built eco building and native tree nursery that was built as a home for environmental board partner Kaipātiki Project and is now a true local community hotspot where local volunteers can learn everything from pest trapping to river restoration, while making new friends over a cuppa.
