From local pools and libraries to new public spaces and youth initiatives, the Waitematā Local Board invests in the places and activities people rely on every day.
Whether it’s a swim, a visit to the library, or joining a community activity, there’s something for everyone. Projects like Te Rimutahi highlight the impact of community voices in shaping our local board plans, while support for gardens and a new indoor skatepark responds to changing needs.
Explore some of the facilities and programmes shaping Waitematā today - and share your ideas on what you’d like to see more of over the next three years.
Diving right in
Waitematā has four different pools maintained by the local board (five if you count Grey Lynn paddling pool)! Two of these are indoors and open all year round, operated by providers to bring you options for a winter swim at an affordable price.
Entry to pool complexes start from $8.20 - $11 for an adult, and children under 16 years old swim free in the main pools at all locations except The Olympic Pool.
$6.6 million of the board’s budget was spent in the past three years to operate these pools and leisure centres.
Grey Lynn Library.
Books and more
We have four libraries in the area. Auckland Central Library alone had more than 600,000 visitors in the last year, and Grey Lynn Library has now been around for over 100 years!
As well as books, libraries offer a great space for community activities from knitting groups and book clubs to Wriggle and Rhyme and school holiday crafts.
Nearly $15 million was spent in the last three years for our libraries’ operational costs.
A space for the community by the community
A community vision nearly 20 years in the making, Te Rimutahi opened to the public in 2025. Ponsonby’s new civic space replaced an old liquor store and carpark with a beautiful multi-functional outdoor place for you to enjoy. The covered canopy area can act as a dance floor, yoga platform or even a performance stage.
The completion of Te Rimutahi was one of the key priority areas in the Waitematā Local Board Plan 2023.
Community Gardens
With the high cost of living and rising costs of fresh and nutritious groceries, giving people the opportunity and skills to improve local food resilience is key.
Gardens4Health run by Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa helps grow healthy communities by providing advice and support to set up and maintain community food gardens through all seasons.
The local board has put $60,000 towards this programme since 2023.
House of TWLV.
Youth on four wheels
House of TWLV in Newmarket is a new indoor skatepark in an 800 square-metre warehouse, open Wednesday afternoons/evenings for those keen to improve their skills and connect with likeminded people.
People of all ages are welcome, 3:30pm-9pm Wednesdays at 12 Clayton Street. Visit their website to find out more.
Supported by some funding by the local board, this kaupapa is linked to the board’s commitment to youth, and the need for dedicated youth spaces outlined in the Waitematā Local Board Plan 2023.
Have your say
These are just some of the ways local investment is making a difference. We want to hear from you as your feedback helps shape what comes next for Waitematā, visit akhaveyoursay.nz/localboardplans.