Auckland Council turns 15 this month! To celebrate, we’re shining a light on some of the great local achievements, projects and upgrades that have helped our communities grow and thrive across the region.
Here in West Auckland, our local boards have played a big part in shaping the story since amalgamation in 2010. Check out a few highlights we’re especially proud of!
Henderson-Massey Local Board
Te Whau Pathway
Te Whau Pathway under construction.
Te Whau Pathway under construction.
More than just a shared path, Te Whau Pathway is a community-building project. Once complete, it will link neighbourhoods and two harbours Manukau and Waitematā via Green Bay. It will also offer safer and more sustainable ways to get around, while providing scenic routes for walking, cycling, and recreation.
Construction started on Te Whau Pathway from Roberts Field to SH16 and is going to finish in the first quarter of 2026.
Build better community spaces
Te Pae o Kura (Kelston Community Centre) reopened in 2024, the award-winning Te Manawa Library and community centre opened in 2019, and the Te Atatū Peninsula New library and community centre opened in 2014.
West Wave upgrade
If you’ve visited West Wave in Henderson recently, you may have noticed the fresh air. A major upgrade to the 36-year-old ventilation and air conditioning system has been completed, regulating the temperature in the pool hall and providing a better experience for pool users and staff alike.
Part of a wider $14.9 million renewal project underway since 2017, this $3.4 million upgrade was largely funded by Henderson-Massey Local Board.
Better play for local tamariki
The spectacular Royal Reserve playground opened in 2019, Kopupaka Reserve playground opened in 2021, and the Jack Pringle Village Green playground reopened in 2023. The Rānui Domain playground upgrade finished in 2024, and more exciting upgrades happened at Moire Park, Tūī Glen Reserve, Taipari Strand playground and Te Pai Park skate park.
Whānau fun sorted
Come Fly a Kite event.
Locals love the incredibly popular event Snow in the Park at Royal Reserve, Come Fly a Kite at Harbourview-orangihina, and the much-loved Henderson Christmas Festival.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board
Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement
Seventeen years after the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 was passed, the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement was signed in October this year. This important milestone recognises the deep and enduring relationship between Te Kawerau ā Maki, as tangata whenua, and the Waitākere Ranges.
Lopdell Precinct redevelopment
Entrance to Lopdell House
Entrance to Lopdell House.
Home to the Upstairs Art Gallery, Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, Titirangi Theatre and the McCahon House Trust, the Lopdell Precinct has become a vibrant hub for arts and culture in Titirangi Village, West Auckland since its 2014 redevelopment.
Titirangi War Memorial Hall and Library refurbishment
A major refurbishment is underway to create a more sustainable, stable and weatherproof facility for the community.
The project includes a full re-roof and re-clad, upgraded stormwater drainage, seismic bracing, and solar panels—giving this much-loved space a new lease on life when completed next year.
Glenmall glow-up
Glenmall is now an even more welcoming spot thanks to the beautifully upgraded courtyard outside Glen Eden Library in 2016. To make Glenmall safer and easier for everyone to enjoy, the old pavers and asphalt paths have been replaced with a smooth new concrete path recently—improving access for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
Much-loved parks and playgrounds
Waima Reserve playground
Waima Reserve Playground.
Over the past 15 years, the much-loved local parks and playgrounds in Waitākere Ranges are being looked after and well maintained, including Parrs Park, Huia Domain, Armour Bay Reserve, Township Park, Withers Reserve, Swanson Station Park, Waima Reserve, Kōroi / Clayburn Reserve and many more.
Walking tracks are being upgraded across the Ranges to protect kauri and improve access, including Paturoa Way, Ōpou Reserve, Mt Atkinson Track and French Bay Esplanade Track, among others.
Supporting Open Studios Waitākere and Matariki events
The annual Open Studios Waitākere event is always a local favourite, giving visitors the chance to meet local artists, watch creativity in action, and purchase unique local works. We’re also proud to support much-loved Matariki celebrations, including Matariki Whānau Day, Hautapu–dawn ceremony, Rangatahi Bone Carving workshops, and Piha Matariki Festival.
Whau Local Board
Te Hono
Detailed designs are complete, and construction is underway on Te Hono, Avondale’s new library, community hub and upgraded town square. The long-anticipated project is scheduled to open in 2027.
Blockhouse Bay Library reopening
Blockhouse Bay Library reopening.
Blockhouse Bay Library has been upgraded with a redesigned roof, officially reopening on 28 June 2025.
Blockhouse Bay Community Centre has received new windows, a ceiling fan, and environmentally friendly solar panels, to help the centre more energy efficient.
Te Whau Pou
Installed at the Rata Street bridge in 2024, Te Whau Pou stands as a gateway to the west and a tribute to the significance of the Whau River as a portage for smaller waka travelling between the Manukau and Waitematā harbours.
Better play for tamariki
Over the years, we’ve provided better play facilities for tamariki across Whau, including refreshed basketball half courts, playgrounds and park furniture at Archibald Park, Cutler Reserve, Brains Park, Green Bay Domain, and Velonia Skate Park—all well used and loved by locals.
Local track and walkway renewal
The treasured Kurt Brehmer walkway was reopened in 2022, while Gittos Domain tracks and the Brains Park pontoon have both been upgraded and refurbished.
New Lynn to Avondale shared path.
The 2.9km New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path, officially opened in 2022, creates a continuous corridor connecting New Lynn and Avondale town centres.
Another 2.1km shared path connecting Avondale and Waterview opened in 2018, providing a link from Holly Street in Avondale to Heron Park in Waterview via boardwalks and concrete paths, and connecting to Glendon Avenue.
Environment
The award-winning La Rosa Stream Daylighting Project remains a proud achievement. Whau was the first local board to support and fund the EcoMatters Bike Hub concept, which has since expanded across Auckland.
The local environmental groups continue to work towards ecological restoration, pest control and improved waterway quality across the Whau — including through the Kai Across the Whau programme.
The Whau River Catchment Trust, along with kayak events co-hosted by Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust and West End Rowing Club, have helped raise awareness of and connection to the awa.
Recognition of Whau’s diverse population
In 2025, Whau Local Board received accreditation as a Committed Welcoming Community by Immigration New Zealand for its work supporting newcomers and building a more inclusive Whau.
The Ethnic Seniors’ Event, organised by the Whau Ethnic Collective, continues to be a local highlight. Other popular board-funded events include the Whau Chinese New Year Festival, Moon Festival, Whau Pasifika Festival and Whau Arts Festival.
Across the West
Partnership with Hoani Waititi Marae and Te Kawerau ā Maki
The western local boards continue to work closely with Hoani Waititi Marae and Te Kawerau ā Maki on a range of important community and environmental initiatives—strengthening relationships and delivering meaningful outcomes for our Māori communities.
