On Friday 30 January 2026, a karakia whakawātea (dawn blessing) was held to acknowledge the completion of the Lagoon Edge Reserve upgrade project in Panmure.
The project has been developed in collaboration with the Auckland Council Parks & Community Facilities team, the Maungakiekie- Tāmaki Local Board and Ngati Paoa. The upgrade includes new seating, picnic tables, drinking fountains, new public toilets, a skatepark spectator area and increased lighting. The project has also created more reserve space, improved pathways, new landscaping, and more native trees.
The project includes designs from artist Lorna Rikihana (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Wairere). These embody themes of pāwharā ika (sun dried fish rich in nutrients), the importance of a balanced salt diet and freshly cultivated vegetables from the Mauinaina maara kai & Mokoia Pā tūwatawata. And the importance of Kaitiakitanga of Te Wai Mokoia and Te Waiōtaiki, to ensure the purity of the water, Waitī (fresh water), emanating from Maungarei into Te Puna o Rangiātea which then flows into, Waitā (Salt water), Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin). The area was previously a Pā ika (inshore fishery) and a Tauranga waka (Shelter for canoes).
There’s a great opportunity to check out the upgraded space at the upcoming Lagoon Edge Celebration Day. There will be a free sausage sizzle and ice creams, live painting of an outdoor mural, live music with DJs and performances, kids’ activities, skating demonstrations and more.
The Lagoon Edge reserve update works are part of a wider plan for Panmure that looks to help contribute to it as a thriving town centre. There are several projects getting underway over the next few years as part of this plan, including the upgrade of Lagoon Edge Reserve, a town square on Queens Road, better walking and cycling connections with Maungarei and future residential developments.
Find out more on the Audo website.