There’s a spring in the step of the children who live in this freshly regenerated Auckland neighbourhood, fondly called ‘Old Papatoetoe.’ Their parents are smiling too.
What gives Old Papatoetoe new vitality?
Kids who live here and those who visit have an array of ways to play - a dedicated space for learning to ride a bike, scooter or mastering a new pair of roller skates; swings and a slide among the foliage; mini trampolines; a half basketball court; and well-lit walkways.
A new public pathway has playful pūkeko footprints etched into the concrete.
These new amenities bring colour and vibrancy, nestled among meandering paths and planting, a new laneway to the main street, shade cloths and seating, new cycleways, a street mural depicting local birdlife, an established supermarket and a thriving leisure centre with squash courts and fitness centre.
The mural was designed by Māori artists Charles and Janine Williams. Inspired by the bittern, a native wetland bird once found in the area, and the prominent puriri tree in the laneway, the artwork reflects local ecology and heritage.
Puhinui Station.
This well-positioned neighbourhood sits a short walk from two train stations – Puhinui and Papatoetoe Stations – with two City Rail Link-enabled lines taking passengers direct to the city centre, buses to the airport, motorway access, and further rail options west, east or south.
Read more information on the City Rail Link (CRL) transit map [643KB].
The renewal of Old Papatoetoe was led by Auckland Council’s Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) who have Wynyard Quarter, Northcote and Hobsonville Point, among many other exemplary neighbourhoods, on their report card.
What do residents think?
So’o Fagamalo grew up in Māngere East, attended Mt Roskill Grammar and studied electrical engineering at the University of Auckland.
Last year So’o and his wife Billie were drawn back to Auckland after living in Christchurch for seven years. Buying a brand-new townhouse, their second home, in Old Papatoetoe was an opportunity they weren’t going to pass up.
The location suited them as So’o commutes to his job as an electrical engineer in Freemans Bay by train, and Billie who is an early childhood teacher drives to her work in nearby Mt Wellington.
“Our friends in Christchurch stared at us as if we both had two heads when we told them we were moving back to Auckland. But we are happy here. We love the diversity in this city. I didn’t realise how much I missed it until we arrived back,” says So’o.
So’o and Billie have three children – ages 6, 3 and almost 1. So’o walks with their six-year-old to school and the littlies join mum at daycare where she is also their teacher.
“We feel lucky. The kids are a perfect age for this place. As they get older they will realise more and more how cool it is to have all these fun things on their doorstep. We can walk to most things when the weather’s nice,” he says.
The family moved into their new terrace house in November 2024, and already the community bonds are strong.
“We bring the bins in for each other. One family came over with doughnuts they had made the other day. Another family has a famous ‘snack drawer’ – a favourite with the kids!”
What makes this place exemplary?
The rebuild of the Old Papatoetoe town centre places connectivity, vibrancy, and community at its heart.
Richard Davison, AUDO Priority Location Director, says this redevelopment reflects Auckland Council’s commitment to creating places where people feel connected, safe, and proud to call home.
Richard Davison.
He says this urban regeneration project, as part of the Unlock Papatoetoe programme, set out to invest in infrastructure and public spaces to incentivise private development.
Whare Tupu, a partnership between Te Ākitai Waiohua and Avant Group, is building 2 and 3bedroom urban terraced homes, and the former council-owned carpark Cambridge Terrace now hosts 29 new homes developed by the New Zealand Housing Foundation.
Both are supporting families into home ownership.
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says the completion of these projects last year marked a significant milestone for the community.
Papatoetoe Stadium Reserve.
"The revitalisation of Old Papatoetoe is a big win for locals and also the wider South Auckland region. Seeing these projects come to life after years of planning is exciting.
"I want to acknowledge the dedication of the AUDO team (previously Eke Panuku), who have worked alongside the local board, iwi and community for more than a decade.
“Together, they’ve struck the right balance, preserving Papatoetoe’s unique character while creating spaces that meet the changing needs of businesses, shoppers, residents and especially children," he says.
The Fagamalo family agrees.