How would you like to walk or cycle alongside the Whau awa? A key section of Te Whau Pathway is complete and open for Aucklanders and visitors to use and enjoy.
The Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū was completed earlier this year.
More than a hundred people attended the opening ceremony on 20 March, mostly from the local community.
Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He says this major milestone is an asset for Tāmaki Makaurau, especially those in the west.
“The new boardwalk stage of the Te Whau Pathway is a major piece of infrastructure ready for Aucklanders to walk or cycle on, doubling as a new sustainable transport route or place to exercise.
“The pathway will particularly benefit the West Auckland community, and is a vital connection between the northwestern cycleway and Horowai Reserve.
“I urge West Aucklanders to embrace this new community asset and use it. All Aucklanders should come and check it out too.”
The shared path is 1.3km of 4m wide boardwalk sections and 3m wide concrete paths connecting the Northwestern cycleway and Horowai / Roberts Field in Te Atatū South. The build went well, delivering ahead of original planned time and under budget.
Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is a volunteer organisation led by chair Tony Miguel.
“I’m excited to see this quality, well designed, accessible boardwalk section of the pathway open for all Aucklanders to use,” he says.
“Opening this next section is a very big moment for the Trust having started planning in 2014. Since then, the Trust has been championing this project at a grass roots level, alongside Auckland Council”.
“Our hard work is reaping rewards with this key section of the pathway complete, and we are committed to getting more built.”
"We are very grateful for the funding provided by the government and Auckland Council, as without it we would not be opening this section of the pathway for the benefit of the community”
Chris Carter, chair of Henderson-Massey Local Board, shares his excitement about the completion of the first section.
“Te Whau Pathway is an amazing development right on our doorstep,” Mr Carter says.
“This incredible pathway will connect new areas, provide walking opportunities, offer an alternative transport route for cyclists, and create a chance for people to explore the beautiful Whau River.
“It’s one of the most important projects our board is supporting. With more people moving into the area and medium-density housing increasing, the pathway will give locals a place to walk, cycle and get active.
“I think people are really going to love it — especially as a recreational walkway where dogs on a leash are welcome and cyclists will have a safer way to access sections of Te Atatū Road.”
In September 2025 the government confirmed funding for the next stage of the pathway – a 400m stretch linking Ken Maunder Park and Rizal Reserve via a new bridge. The funding was prioritised from savings on the original planned section of the pathway that opened on 20 March. Construction on this additional section is due to start in April and be completed before November this year.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas is looking forward to the start of construction of this next section of Te Whau Pathway.
“Our board has advocated strongly for funding this project for many years, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see it becoming a reality,” says Ms Thomas.
“The pathway will connect communities, schools and people to the Whau River, while creating more opportunities for locals to enjoy and care for the environment.
“It will also be accessible for everyone, including people using wheelchairs or walking frames.”
“We’re very excited to see the construction of the Rizal Crossing section begin soon in the Whau Local Board area. It will be linking Wingate Street to Rata Street in New Lynn, offering a whole range of benefits for our local community.”
Construction on Te Whau Pathway restarted in December 2023 and the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū is now open. It creates a shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve (Roberts Field).
Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Transport (AT), Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, , the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, Auckland Council, the government as a major funder, and Auckland Council delivering the construction working closely with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust.
Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, all sections of the proposed pathway will connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.