What if one plan could help shape the future of the places, programmes and projects you care about most?
From youth and senior programmes, community events and local grants to parks, playgrounds, environmental initiatives loved by school kids, libraries, sports facilities and community spaces, many of the investments that make a difference in Ōtara-Papatoetoe start with Local Board decisions.
Our three-year Local Board Plan 2026 will help shape what comes next in Ōtara-Papatoetoe over the next three years backed by community feedback. If there's something you want to see protected, improved or done differently, now's the time to have your say by 23 July.
Here are five examples of what can happen when a community has its say.
Stadium Reserve, Tavern Lane, Papatoetoe
A local māmā summed it up perfectly, “Glad there’s now a space for the community.”
That’s exactly what Stadium Reserve and surrounding connections in Old Papatoetoe now deliver, a safer, more usable and better-connected space for local people.
After more than a decade of advocacy, the long-awaited upgrade, supported by a $17 million investment from Auckland Council, the Auckland Urban Development Office and this local board, has turned an underused area into a vibrant community hub:
- new playground and half basketball court
- social spaces that make the reserve more welcoming
- safer access with wider footpaths, crossings and a separated cycle lane
- improved lighting and ample parking
- a beautiful mahi toi / artwork created by mana whenua
- water-sensitive design that helps manage stormwater and reduce runoff into local waterways
- stronger connections to the town centre, linking the reserve into everyday travel and use.
Hayman Park / Manu-kau Noa Iho
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the good stuff - because we listened and helped create it right here in our community.
The award-winning destination playground, delivered through an investment of around $10 million, features New Zealand’s tallest play tower, flying foxes, pump track, skate and basketball areas, and inclusive play spaces for all ages. Alongside it, a recently restored wetland is helping clean stormwater, support biodiversity, and reconnect people with nature.
#OurDiversityIsOurSuperPower
Did you know we help fund more than 30 free community events across Ōtara-Papatoetoe every year?
From festivals and neighbourhood celebrations like the Diversity Festival, to school holiday programmes and weekly community kitchens, these events are bringing our diverse communities together.
We’re proud to help create events that bring people together.
Ngāti Ōtara Park
For generations, Ngāti Ōtara Park has been at the heart of local sport and gatherings - and now it finally has the facilities to match.
The $6.4 million upgrade has delivered a modern multi-sport hub for players, volunteers and the wider community, including:
- clubrooms and changing facilities
- flexible community and meeting spaces
- laundry facilities
- improved sports fields and lighting
- 'infrastructure supporting more than 100 teams
Beyond the main upgrade, we’ve renewed the netball courts, walkway bridge and playground, and continue to support the marae. It’s now a space that reflects Ōtara’s energy - and gives it room to grow.
Papatoetoe transformed
What people experience every day in Papatoetoe has been shaped by long-term local board investment.
Upgrades at Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds have improved fields, drainage, lighting and an outdoor fitness area, while Kolmar Sports Centre continues to support growing community sport and activity.
- the Old Papatoetoe town centre improvements have focused on safer crossings, better lighting, upgraded public spaces and stronger connections through the area.
- We’ve continued investing in the community facilities people rely on - from our library, town hall, pools and leisure centres to the delivery of the Puhinui transport hub - improving connections across the city.
Have your say
We’re looking forward to hearing from our community for what comes next. Have your say at akhaveyoursay.nz by 23 July.