The bones of a plan have been drafted to prioritise Papakura’s growing needs for the next three years, but now it need community voices to tell us what’s really important where you live.
In 2023, 205 people shared their feedback to help shape the local board plan. That input was valuable – but with a population of around 72,000 people, there’s still plenty of room for more voices at the table.
The Papakura Local Board wants your feedback to ensure they have their priorities right for you, your whānau (family) and the community. Visit AKHaveYourSay to check out the plan and share your thoughts by 23 July 2026.
Not convinced it’ll make a difference? Here are a few outcomes, prescribed by the 2023 plan and shaped by community.
Investing in Papakura’s future
How important is it to you that youth development is supported?
To create more connections within its diverse community, one of the local board’s aims for its 2023 plan was to support its young people to contribute and thrive.
In 2025, the board allocated $56,000 to support local youth to actively engage in shaping community and contribute to local board decisions.
Funding has enabled a range of activations over a nine-month period. Predominantly through Papakura Youth Council’s efforts, these included a hugely successful recruitment drive resulting in 40 applicants; a gala event, a South Auckland cluster celebration for South Auckland youth councils, planning for 2026 and networking events gathering more than 80 emerging leaders aged 15-20.
This year, the Papakura Local Board is keen to continue supporting youth development and age-friendly and intergenerational programmes.
Revitalising Papakura’s biodiversity
How important is it to prioritise restoring and protecting Papakura's local environment and native biodiversity?
More than 100 locals got stuck in, joining Pest Free Papakura (from Pest Free South Auckland) to take on invasive pest plants and animals across their community.
The team distributed nearly 50 pest traps and recorded more than 220 volunteer hours – in just three months.
These outcomes were achieved through the 2023 plan objectives to improve and restore its natural environment and reduce the threat of pests, weeds and pathogens.
With more than $63,000 invested in the Pest Free South Auckland programme, the Beautification Trust is leading hands‑on initiatives that restore local biodiversity while getting locals involved – through events, workshops, education and community groups that empower people to protect native flora and fauna.
Continued support for conservation and community groups to take on coastal and stream clean-ups, pest management and monitoring the harbour and coast is proposed in the 2026 draft plan.
Backing gardens to boost local food security
How do you feel about prioritising food security?
The local board continues to prioritise food security, backing māra kai (community gardens) as a key initiative.
Several community-led gardens and food initiatives are supported across Papakura, including the Ron Keat Mara Garden, Rollerson Avenue, Smiths Avenue, Hingaia Reserve, Umataha Tongan Gardens, McLennan Avenue, Redcrest Avenue, Mara Mahi, and Songbird Café Garden. Additional emerging gardens are also receiving support as they get underway.
Recent activity has built strong momentum. A working bee at Rollerson Garden, delivered with Auckland Teaching Gardens, drew positive community involvement – including Papakura High School, opening the door to further opportunities.
The programme focuses on getting support where it is needed most, working with partners like the Beautification Trust, Citycare, Gardens4Health, Watercare and the University of Auckland. These partnerships bring expert advice, education and practical support – helping gardens bolster their impact and sustainability.
Together, this work strengthens community connection and wellbeing, improves access to fresh, locally grown kai and promotes sustainable food solutions. Work to grow food security continues, with a focus on partnering with local groups to meet the changing needs of the community.
Bringing Papakura together through community-led events
Balancing priorities for Papakura can be a juggling act. Do community-led events make a difference to your life in Papakura?
Supporting community-led events is a key way the local board brings people together from across Papakura’s diverse communities. This initiative has focused on helping communities come together and showcase their cultures through local events and activations.
In the past year, the board has supported the delivery of well-loved events that bring people together, such as:
· Combined ParkFEST/Summer Concert – $25,000 (Papakura Business Association)
· Papakura Carols – $40,000 (Harvest Church)
· Papakura Santa Parade – $30,000 (Rotary).
Funding allocated to selected events provides greater certainty for organisers and supports the ongoing delivery of events locals value.
Looking ahead, the draft Papakura Local Board Plan 2026 continues this approach, supporting events, programmes and partnerships that celebrate Papakura’s cultural diversity and bring the community together.
There’s more to explore in the draft plan. Have your say and help shape what comes next.
Want to know more?
Sign up to Papakura’s monthly E news or follow along on Facebook for more updates.