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 South.
Franklin
Preserving heritage buildings across Franklin
McNicol Homestead & Museum, a well-loved heritage site in Clevedon, Auckland.
Heritage buildings across Franklin have received investment to preserve the areas rich history. Waiuku Museum for painting and conservation costs in 2021. 19 Rural halls also got a boost in 2023. McNicol Homestead & Museum, in Clevedon re-opened to the public following a major renewal project that began in 2024.
Franklin Paths connecting community
The Franklin Paths Programme moved into delivery phase this year to enhance connectivity, reduce the need for vehicle use, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Locals in Beachlands are already seeing the benefits at Liberty Cresent Park.
Investing in future leaders
Franklin, Manurewa, Papakura, Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu offer rangatahi places in the New Zealand-wide programme that sees local government members mentoring young Māori to enhance their leadership skills.
Manurewa-Papakura
100 years of Nathan Homestead
Nathan Homestead has reopened after a major restoration works. The heritage landmark in Manurewa has been carefully preserved, with new upgrades making it safer, more accessible, to be enjoyed for another 100 years.
Libraries get boost in South
Te Matariki Clendon Library has had $300,000 allocated to its renewals budget line from an upgrade project that did not go ahead at Weymouth Community Hall.
Locals happy with catch in Weymouth
In 2022 a refurbished and updated Weymouth Wharf opened ahead of schedule to replace an old structure that was showing signs of wear. A local resident raised concerns about the condition of the wharf and says he got more than he bargained for.
Overbridge win for Southern cyclists and walkers
The well loved path features an overbridge connection from Pescara Point – linking Papakura and Karaka with local road connections to Great South Road and Brylee Drive, and access points to reserves at Walter Strevens Drive and Gardone Terrace.
Reducing environmental impacts in Papakura
In 2019 the board invested $170,000 for New Zealand’s largest solar-powered swimming pool heating system at the Massey Aquatic Centre.
Community at the heart of Te Paataka o Takanini
A community hub that everyone is still talking about offers library services, community spaces, a community kitchen, a dedicated play area for tamariki and a parent room.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu
Honouring Māori Heritage
Celebrating identity through Te Kete Rukuruku, Māngere’s popular David Lange Park destination playground, $1.9m Te Taahuhu / Criterion Square upgrade, and refreshed Te Āhiki / Rock Daisy Crescent Reserve playground.
Vibrant Centres, Proud Communities
Otāhuhu Town Centre secured $1.5m to back Ōtāhuhu streetscape upgrade. Māngere Town Centre adds new lights, an all-weather canopy, non-slip surface, and stage 1 of beautifying the town centre a hit. Board funded Māngere Youth Voices wins big.
$60,000 Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Economic and Business Development Fund
The fund backed local business and non-profit growth with funding support, up to $2,000 available for tools, training, start-ups, sustainability, and recovery from recent severe weather events.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe
The Good Stuff
Epic playground upgrades at Hayman Park / Manu-kau Noa Iho, Pā o Tahi / Hillside South, Othello, Aorere, Ngāti Ōtara, Pearl Baker Reserve and Otamariki and Polyfest’s 50th.
One of four Local Boards who are accredited as a Committed - Welcoming Community by Immigration New Zealand, for their work to support newcomers and to build more inclusive communities.
Investing in Community Spaces
We’ve revitalised spaces like Manukau Civic Centre, supported local talent through Ngāti Ōtara’s new sports hub, and the club’s partnership with Auckland Council Libraries to digitally preserved the Scorpion’s legacy.
