Auckland Council is investing approximately $79 million into parks and community assets for Aucklanders to use, through the Regional Community Capital Investment Programme.
In late June, the council’s Community Committee approved the 2026/2027 work programme, which largely continues the investment direction established through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.
The work includes local parks and sports fields ($29.3 million), regional parks ($14.9 million), climate initiatives ($10.1 million), cemeteries ($7.6 million), seismic strengthening ($6.4 million), public art ($3.0 million), commercial and residential leases ($2.0 million), slips prevention and remediation ($2.0 million), and discrete projects ($3.6 million).
Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the Community Committee, says the programme is a significant investment into Auckland.
“Aucklanders often tell us they love our parks and enjoy public art that celebrates our stories. This funding is how the council maintains these assets and creates new opportunities for all of us to experience, contributing to the distinct identity of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
“We know we have to do better with what we already collectively own as Aucklanders, including increasing access and use of our regional assets. This significant investment, including critical areas like cemeteries and climate resilience, helps to ensure they are fit for purpose for our future.”
Taryn Crewe, General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities says using ratepayers’ money wisely is a key consideration in funding decisions.
“This programme delivers substantial investment in infrastructure and amenities Aucklanders can use daily across the whole region. It has been enabled through the recent budget set for 2026/27 and ratepayers will see the benefit directly in their communities.
“Value for money is always a key priority in decision-making on investment areas, and this includes considering service needs and fit-for-purpose design.
“The programme was developed within a challenging operating environment shaped by ageing assets, climate related risk and continuing recovery from severe weather events.”
Here’s more information about the key investment areas:
Parks Renewals and Development (Regional)
Essential upgrades and renewals to community assets across Regional Parks, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Pukekawa Auckland Domain, farming areas, increasing public access and safety, improving overall visitor experience, strengthening climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Key projects include renewing kauri forest tracks within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and developing land at Te Ārai Regional Park, including a new car park, toilet facilities and core infrastructure services.
Investment will fund new playgrounds.
Local parks and sports fields
Invests in the development and improvement of local parks and sports fields in areas with projected high population growth. This is funded through a mix of development contributions and rates and is integrated with local board work programming to reflect community needs and local priorities, increasing open space and recreational opportunities to support healthy active lifestyles. Key projects include developing new parks in Clendon and Millwater and renewing sports field assets in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.
Cemeteries
Provides for critical burial and memorial needs by ensuring adequate burial capacity for the region, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting community wellbeing through dignified spaces that reflect Auckland’s diverse communities and ancestral connections to place. Key projects include developing a new cemetery at Kumeu, and a major infrastructure project at North Shore Memorial Park.
Commercial and residential leases
Delivers refurbishment work on commercial and residential buildings on parkland to ensure they are in suitable condition for use and that community assets are well maintained, fit for purpose, and meet compliance requirements and certifications. Key projects include refurbishing heritage lease buildings at Chelsa Estate Heritage Park and King Edward Parade in Devonport.
Works will help protect Parnell Baths from rockfall and land slips.
Slips prevention and remediation
Preventing future land slips and remediating existing slips to reduce the risk of harm to park users and the environment, protect assets, and help avoid facility closures and service disruption, while improving resilience across parks and open spaces. Key projects include slip / rock fall mitigation to protect Parnell Baths, and landslide remediation and prevention works at Orere Point.
Climate initiative
Delivers capital projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from council facilities and support a more sustainable energy future through the phased replacement of gas boilers at multiple council pools and leisure centres and the installation of solar panels across council buildings, aligning with Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and improving energy resilience, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based systems.
Seismic strengthening
Work programme includes existing projects underway that incorporate seismic strengthening as part of their planned renewal work, supporting community assets to be well maintained, fit for purpose, and compliant. No new projects are being added to this work programme, reflecting the council’s decision through the Long-term Plan that no new seismic strengthening projects will be initiated unless already commenced.
A permanent public artwork for Te Whau Pathway will be funded.
Public art
Continued investment in restoring Auckland’s public art collection and commissioning new, site-specific works that reflect the city’s cultural diversity and creativity. It’s delivered through regional and partnership programmes with mana whenua and council-controlled organisations. Key projects include a new permanent public artwork designed for Te Whau Pathway.
Discrete projects
These projects seek to provide fit-for-purpose community assets that respond to local needs and aspirations while progressing long-term commitments signalled through the council’s strategic planning. A key project is investigation and concept design for Birkenhead War Memorial Park renewals.