/rss/central-auckland-news/ Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 EST Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:13:12 EST en Umbraco http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03/waitemata/ 2. Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao Enabling community to come together and help reduce pests Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao supports community groups dedicated to improving the native biodiversity of the Tāmaki Makaurau central isthmus. Many of these groups focus on... Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:36:04 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03/april-school-holidays/ Looking for holiday activities the whole whānau can enjoy? From deep-sea discoveries to farm escapades and everything in between, here’s the top 10 ways to keep everyone entertained, active and inspired across Auckland these school holidays.   1.... Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:40:47 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03/get-your-green-fingers-ready/ A month-long celebration of sustainable living starts from 22 March, with a number of free and engaging events to attend.  Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:57:16 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/02/connecting-youth-in-orakei/ The projects Youth of Ōrākei delivers vary each year. Past events include tree planting events, Quizex (a cross between a quiz night and Mathex), a music competition, a clothing drive, leadership conferences, careers workshops and a mural painting... Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:05:15 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/02/tapac/ Clare Battersby has taught at TAPAC since it opened in 2003. A children’s dance teacher and performer known as Fairy Clare, she values both the venue and its versatility. “I loved it when we started working there,” says Clare. “Such amazing architecture,... Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:02:43 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/grey-lynn-to-western-springs-pathway-reopens-after-major-repairs/ A popular pedestrian shortcut connecting the Grey Lynn shops on Great North Road to Western Springs has reopened, thanks to Waitematā Local Board.    The path, starting behind Grey Lynn Library, offers a short walk down the hill to Arch Hill Scenic... Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:47:01 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/staying-dry-in-the-wetlands/ Recent path upgrades in Waiatarua Reserve have seen a revival of the morning walk in Meadowbank. Home to one of Auckland’s biggest urban wetlands, the reserve has a tendency to flood, impacting the useability of the paths. After the weather events in... Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:44:14 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/5-reasons-to-come-to-carols-on-the-green/ 2. Dress up What better way to celebrate than to add some sparkle to your outfit? We’re encouraging everyone (but kids especially!) to get creative with a costume for the evening. Whether you come as a reindeer, elf, snowflake or Spiderman, we’re keen to... Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:47:15 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/ancestral-name-restored-to-point-erin-park/ The ancestral Māori name of Te Oka has been reinstated at Point Erin Park, creating a dual name. Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/building-better-for-orakei-parks-and-leisure/ Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services. Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to... Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:29:47 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/new-and-improved/ Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services. Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to... Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:29:18 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/new-sports-fields-for-orakei/ Capacity for community football and cricket is set to grow in Auckland, thanks to an allocation of $2.5 million from Auckland Council’s Fix and Finish fund to the Ōrākei Local Board.  The funding will be used alongside local board budget to develop Thomas... Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:11:44 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/richard-northey-retires-after-46-years-of-public-service/ Waitematā Local Board has bid farewell to long-serving member Richard Northey, who is retiring at the end of this electoral term.  Richard has served 46 years in the public sector, 38 of them as an elected member.   Completing three years on the inaugural... Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:51:58 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/a-win-for-history-and-art-in-waitemata/ The Sargeson Centre, including George Fraser Gallery, on the edge of Albert Park will undergo restoration thanks to $700,000 from Auckland Council’s Fix and Finish fund allocated to Waitematā Local Board. It adds to the $670,000 of local board budget... Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:21:37 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/compliance-wardens-boost-community-safety-in-orakei/ $200,000 from Ōrākei Local Board has secured additional compliance support, targeting the local area Two compliance wardens have started patrolling public places to improve safety The wardens can issue infringement notices to those not complying with... Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:18:51 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/08/community-organisation-s-efforts-help-bird-populations-grow/ Eastern Bays Songbird Project carries out pest trapping, weed control, and monitoring in parks and reserves throughout the Ōrākei and Maungakieie-Tāmaki Local Board areas. Regular bird counts have seen an increase in birdlife in these areas. There are... Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:46:37 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/ongoing-improvements-to-emergency-readiness-in-waitemata/ Waitematā Local Board adopted its Emergency Readiness and Response Plan [6.6MB] in December 2024 Four new Community Emergency Hub locations and three additional Civil Defence Centres have been added since the original plan was released The plan summary... Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:29:18 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/an-oceanside-experience/ In a prime waterfront location on the Waitematā Harbour, The Landing on Tāmaki Drive is a spectacular spot to appreciate water sports from dry ground or even launch your own boat. This seaside park is a favourite for Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne,... Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:18:21 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/an-urban-adventure-in-kepa-bush/ Nestled at the edge of Purewa Creek in Mission Bay, Kepa Bush Reserve is more than just a patch of bush. This peaceful, leafy sanctuary is a special place for Ōrākei Local Board deputy chair Sarah Powrie, who talks us through why it’s one of her favourite... Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:48:42 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/celebrating-te-rimutahi/ A vibrant new civic space, Te Rimutahi, has opened on Ponsonby Road – offering locals, workers, and visitors a place to relax, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. “Te Rimutahi represents not only a significant milestone in urban development but also the... Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/booking-spaces-in-waitemata/ Ever wondered where to hold a dance class? Thought about whether you can have your wedding at Auckland Domain? Wanted a spot for your band to play a gig? Been keen to hold a market day? There are lots of community venues, parks and spaces owned by... Wed, 28 May 2025 16:13:02 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/using-our-voice-for-important-issues/ In a city as complex as Auckland, not every decision lands in the hands of local boards – but that doesn’t stop Ōrākei Local Board from stepping up and making its voice heard. Even when it’s not the final decision-maker, the board plays a crucial role in... Tue, 20 May 2025 14:01:05 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/love-letters-to-waiata-reserve/ With more than 120 parks in the Ōrākei Local Board area, it can be difficult to choose where to go! We’ve been catching up with local board members to share their favourite spots. Two board members have chosen Waiata Reserve in Remuera, and share its... Thu, 08 May 2025 15:33:23 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/04/knowledge-sharing-and-practical-solutions-to-feature-at-love-our-harbour-manukau-harbour-symposiumf/ Mana Whenua, government, scientists, community groups and all who care about Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa, the Manukau Harbour, are invited to join in a full day conference on Saturday 31 May 2025. The Symposium is a day where the Manukau Harbour, with its... Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:38:47 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/04/more-than-24-tonnes-of-construction-waste-diverted-from-landfill/ A construction waste solutions programme funded by Waitematā Local Board has diverted 24,600kg of waste from landfill in the past eight months. “From small renovations to large developments, construction is a big industry in our area,” says board chair... Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:55:20 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/04/history-and-highlights-of-little-rangitoto-reserve/ With more than 120 parks in the Ōrākei Local Board area, it can be difficult to choose where to go! We’ve been catching up with local board members to share their favourite spots. Member David Wong shares some history and stories about his park of choice:... Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:05:59 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/03/giving-our-biodiversity-a-helping-hand/ Thousands of pests have been removed from inner Auckland suburbs thanks to an organisation which receives funding from Albert-Eden and Waitematā local boards. Urban Ark - Manawa Taiao supports the mahi (work) of local volunteer groups to help our native... Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:02:13 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/02/grants-make-a-difference-in-our-community/ In February, Echo Tech provided a free community e-waste drop-off day at Ellerslie School thanks to a grant from Ōrākei Local Board. The initiative was a success, with 380 cars dropping off more than 8,800kg of electronic waste. Echo Tech is a company... Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:16:53 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/02/new-lease-of-life-for-ellerslie-war-memorial-hall/ The circus is coming to the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall. From April, the hall will be home to The Dust Palace Charitable Trust. The trust will take over from Auckland Council with venue bookings, continuing to provide space for community hire, and will... Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:02:38 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/02/paws-for-thought/ Ōrākei residents are being encouraged to give feedback on council’s review of dog policies and bylaws including local dog access rules. There are proposed changes for two parks in the area: Madills Farm Recreation Reserve and Glover Park. These changes... Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:50:32 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/01/pocket-art-guide-updated-with-10-new-artworks-showcasing-toi-maori-in-tamaki-makaurau/ The vibrant cityscape of Tāmaki Makaurau has seen a rise in the presence of Māori design and art in its urban environment in recent years, a result of the ongoing efforts by the Auckland Council group to ensure the stories and identity of mana whenua are... Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/01/member-mcphee-s-madills-memories/ Fancy a summer stroll? In the Ōrākei area you’re spoilt for choice. To give you some inspiration, we’ve asked local board members to share their favourite spots. Angus McPhee has been on the board for over two years, and is currently the portfolio lead... Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:34:40 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/12/neighbourhood-support-takes-off-in-orakei/ Organisations and individuals in Ōrākei have come together with the common goal of making our community safer and better prepared for emergencies. In June 2024, Ōrākei Local Board partially funded a part-time ‘Neighbourhood Activator’ role, carried out by... Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:00:46 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/12/ngati-whatua-orakei-ringatoi/ Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) and Watercare are enabling a budding ringatoi to creatively express the stories of place through street art in the central Tāmaki (Auckland) city centre. Artist, Caine Taihia (Ngāti... Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/12/ka-tu-te-mana-o-waihorotiu-artwork-stories/ Whakarongo, whakarongo, whakarongo mai! Ki te maharatanga o ngā wai e rere mai nei, e rere atu rāMai i a Ranginui ka heke ōna roimata hei ua ki a PapatūānukuKa nekehia e ngā ua i runga i te kiri o te papa ki ngā mangaKa whakakotahi ai ngā manga ki te... Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/12/happy-birthday-to-grey-lynn-library/ There may not be a congratulatory letter from the King, but Grey Lynn Library recently celebrated its 100th birthday! The Grey Lynn Library building was completed in 1924 and has been at the heart of the community for generations. As well as working at... Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:22:06 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/12/get-together-for-neighbours-aotearoa-2025/ Connected neighbours forge stronger communities, and Neighbours Aotearoa 2025 brings people and streets together. Applications are open for the annual community initiative, which is held every year in March and was previously known as Neighbours Day, with... Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:06:46 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/orakei-gets-new-tool-to-help-prepare-for-emergencies/ A new plan is set to empower the Ōrākei community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Ōrākei Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), offers practical guidance to help residents... Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:36:03 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/we-shore-need-to-hear-from-you/ Waitematā locals have a chance to help shape how Auckland Council manages nearby coastlines from the risks of coastal hazards and climate change. The community can have their say by giving feedback on what they value about their coastline, how they use... Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:27:07 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/update-on-meadowbank-community-centre/ The project to create a new-look community centre for Meadowbank is on pause after rising construction costs led the development partner to pull out of the project. The vision for the revitalisation of the community centre is to partner with a developer... Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:23:36 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/speak-out-about-the-future-of-our-beaches/ Ōrākei residents are being asked to give feedback to Auckland Council on its plans to manage risk from coastal hazards and climate change. The community can help shape these plans by giving feedback on what they value about their coastline, how they use... Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:56:27 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/new-point-chevalier-library/ Point Chevalier is set to welcome its newest community facility next year – with a new modular library set to open its doors in May 2025. Having been closed since October 2022, the new modular facility will provide an enhanced library experience for the... Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:24:20 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/11/digging-the-music-at-parnell-festival-of-roses/ Every year thousands of people flock to Dove-Myer Robinson Park to enjoy Parnell Festival of Roses and the entertainment that’s on offer at the Waitematā Local Board funded event. This year the main stage once again has an exciting and diverse lineup,... Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:33:38 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/09/decision-on-olympic-pool-lease-made/ Waitematā Local Board has agreed to the extension of Olympic Pool and Fitness Limited's (OPFL) lease to manage the Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre in Newmarket until November 2034, subject to statutory processes. The decision, made in a confidential... Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:46:39 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/09/scouting-out-grant-funding/ Ōrākei Sea Scouts welcomes 100 boys and girls to its base on the edge of Ōrākei Basin every week to take part in sailing and rowing in the summer, and land-based skills in the colder months. The local group is currently at full capacity and has received... Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:46:57 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/08/engaging-with-waitemata-local-board/ Waitematā Local Board workshops have been open online to the public since early May 2024 and offer an opportunity to gain insights and understanding into the work it does. A local board workshop is a non-decision-making meeting, focused on giving board... Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:44:24 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/07/orakei-celebrates-success/ From saving open spaces to funding meaningful events for locals, Ōrākei Local Board looks back at a few of the things it has accomplished for our community so far this electoral term.  A key part of the board’s responsibilities is looking after parks and... Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:55:33 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/06/exciting-spaces-and-improved-places/ At just over half-way through the current three-year term, Waitematā Local Board looks back at a few of the things it has accomplished for our community so far. A key part of the board’s responsibilities is looking after parks and community facilities. In... Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:24:22 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/06/doubling-down-on-the-environment-in-orakei/ Ōrākei environmentalists – young and old(er) – had a big day out with the Ōrākei Moth Plant Prizegiving and Local Board Enviro Forum taking place recently. The Moth Plant Competition is supported annually by the Ōrākei Local Board, educating children and... Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:16:06 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/05/from-counselling-to-student-radio-a-variety-of-grants-awarded/ More than forty successful grant applicants are progressing initiatives to benefit the wider community after Waitematā Local Board allocated funding at its May business meeting. Local grants have been awarded to 24 community organisations, while 20 others... Fri, 31 May 2024 14:27:30 EST