/rss/south-auckland-news/ Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 EST Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:17:04 EST en Umbraco 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/celebrating-korean-culture-in-otara/ Saehae bok mani badeuseyo - please receive lots of good fortune in the New Year. The spirit of community and culture was on full display at Te Puke ō Tara Community Centre as residents gathered to celebrate Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year. Hosted by the... Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:32:32 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03/new-moves-in-otahuhu/ Fairburn Park in Ōtāhuhu now has a new volleyball court for fun, fitness, and community play. A blessing ceremony on 27 February marked the official opening, celebrating this new space. The court responds to growing demand for accessible and informal... Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:58:31 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/howick-library-temporary-closure-and-pop-up-service/ Howick Library and the adjacent Fencible Lounge will close for a major renewal from February, with temporary services in place to keep the community connected while improvements are made. The renewal work, approved by the Howick Local Board, has an... Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:35:13 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/02/serving-up-something-special/ Howick’s biggest bite of culture returns in 2026! Get ready to taste the world right here in Howick Village. The Cultural Food Festival 2026 is back – Saturday 7 March 2026, 9am – 2:30pm. Delivered by Howick Village Association and proudly supported by... Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:26:52 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/02/speak-up-for-three/ The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is inviting the community to share ideas for upgrades for three Papatoetoe neighbourhood playgrounds: Rangitoto Park, Maxwell Park, and Motatau Park. The consultation runs from 28 January to 23 February 2026. Your children... Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:08:55 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/many-cultures/ A festival for the community, by the community – all welcome! The Diversity Festival returns on Saturday 11 April 2025, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of South Auckland. This free, family-friendly event takes place at the Due Drop Events Centre in... Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:32:41 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/superhero-approval-for-kimpton-park-playground/ “Kimpton Park is amazing and looks great” - a sentiment shared by many local families now enjoying the newly upgraded playground at Toetoe-nui / Kimpton Park in Papatoetoe. Papatoetoe families are buzzing with excitement as the renewed playground at... Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:14:49 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/a-fresh-facelift-for-nga-puna-cyclamen-park/ Ngā Puna / Cyclamen Park in Māngere, named after the area’s sacred springs, has been upgraded following community feedback. The name Ngā Puna, meaning “springs,” reflects the natural freshwater springs in the Pūkaki area. Today, it is a vibrant, modern... Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:53:40 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/the-landing/ In Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, memories don’t fade - they are cherished, celebrated, and now framed for generations to come. At Ngā Tohu o Uenuku / Māngere Arts Centre, that was perfectly demonstrated through an exhibition that transformed local stories into living... Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:16:58 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/out-with-the-old/ It’s easy to walk past the playground at Raewyn Place Esplanade Reserve in Pakūranga and think it’s tired and forgotten - but that’s about to change, with a fresh, fun makeover on the way. From Monday 9 February 2026, work will begin on upgrading the... Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:51:32 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01/making-moves-with-local-grants/ Don't miss out! Local grant round two open 12 January to 20 February 2026, for projects starting after 1 May 2026. Apply on the main Auckland Council website.   Got a great project for your community? The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is... Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:13:39 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/4-ways-to-come-out-and-play/ Hello, summer! Whether it’s adventure, fun, or just a reason to enjoy the outdoors, all these activities or spaces are supported or funded by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, so you can make the most of summer the local way!  1. Find your game!   Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:46:58 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/make-the-most-and-soak-up-summer/ Chasing fresh air, free fun, or a chill spot with whānau/family or friends? Your neighbourhood is full of ways to enjoy time together.   With free events, local talent, and some of the best play spaces, funded and supported by Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local... Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:41:14 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/family-fun-and-summer-adventures-in-howick/ Want to stay local and make the most of summer? Howick Local Board has got you covered, investing in free activities and great things to see and do.  So, hit the local trails, take part in free Out & About activities,... Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:40:30 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/nominations-open-for-papatoetoe-subdivision-new-election/ Nominations are open for candidates in the new election. There are four seats to be filled and nominations are open until midday, Wednesday 28 January 2026. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:18:30 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/otara-papatoetoe-local-board-election/ District Court decision and next steps for the local board. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:02:40 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/15th-anniversary-of-auckland-council-south-local-boards/ Auckland Council is 15 years old this month and to celebrate we’ve put together a selection of key local achievements, projects and upgrades that have grown and benefited communities across the region.  Local boards... Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:00:09 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12/inside-the-park-upgrade-that-s-transforming-barry-curtis-park/ Barry Curtis Park, in Auckland’s rapidly growing Flat Bush, is one of New Zealand’s largest urban parks. Thanks to a major upgrade from the Howick Local Board, the park is now more welcoming, functional, and vibrant than ever. The park’s wetlands continue... Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:04:50 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/three-times-the-fun/ Have your say from 5 November - 3 December 2025. (1.) Wai-huuhi/Mervan Street Reserve, Māngere East, (2.) Purata Park, Māngere Bridge and (3.) Kāmaka Park, Māngere Bridge.   Take part online Let the tamariki lead the way! The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local... Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:49:51 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/11/a-new-view-of-mayfield-park/ Basketball court: a half basketball court perfect for tamariki/children, rangatahi/youth, or grown-ups who love to ball Volleyball court: (you’ll need your own net/ball) ideal for casual games or full-blown showdowns New smooth looped pathways: alongside... Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:17:23 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/howick-s-night-of-sporting-glory/ Awards night The Local Board provides funding to purchase awards, provide a guest speaker, and cover the administration and catering costs.  Howick Pak Hockey shared on their Facebook after winning Club of the Year, “This incredible recognition is a... Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:37:22 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/lights-laughter-and-cheer/ Alongside a delightful array of local talent, food trucks will keep everyone fuelled - from hotdogs to chips, hamburgers, coffee and more. Let's stay connected Be sure to sign up to receive the Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters. Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:07:13 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/this-or-that/ Everyone knows Kohuora Park, it’s the place for sports games, walks, birthdays, outings and explorations. Now, with a $300,000 funding from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, the playground’s getting a long-overdue upgrade, and the local board want to hear... Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:03:47 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/councillor-angela-dalton-valedictory/ Two days of intense debate and tough decisions brought Auckland Council’s 2022-2025 Governing Body term to a close, ending with the valedictory speeches of three councillors standing down after nearly 70 years of service between them. This is part one in... Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/councillor-sharon-stewart-valedictory-speech/ Two days of intense debate and tough decisions brought Auckland Council’s 2022-2025 Governing Body term to a close, ending with the valedictory speeches of three councillors standing down after nearly 70 years of service between them. This is part three... Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/new-energy-for-otahuhu/ Ōtāhuhu’s town centre is set for a refresh, thanks to funding secured through Auckland Council’s Fix and Finish fund. The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board advocated for the streetscape project and received $1.5 million. Thirteen eligible local boards submitted... Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:29:48 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/ostrich-farm-sports-fields-gain-ground/ The Flat Bush community is one step closer to a vibrant new green space. A $1.1 million boost from Auckland Council’s Fix and Finish Fund is helping move plans forward to transform Ostrich Farm into a fully equipped sports field park. Behind the... Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:26:48 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/otahuhu-s-hub/ There’s a reason the Otāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre (OTHCC) holds a special place in people’s hearts, because it’s always been more than just a building. It’s where generations have gathered, kids have laughed after school, families have come together... Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:56:57 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/read-all-about-it-flatbush/ KEY DETAILS: $489,000 has been allocated towards a temporary library for the first six months of operation It will be located inside the Ormiston Town Centre, near the food court (240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush) The library will offer key services like... Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/welcoming-communities-accreditation-for-otara-papatoetoe/ Acknowledgement of the important mahi the local boards do to create an inclusive and supportive environment for new community members. Ōtara-Papatoetoe joins the Kaipātiki, Whau and Albert-Eden and Puketāpapa Local Boards in receiving the... Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:20:48 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/can-we-get-a-chee-hoo/ Round one of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board grants is open for projects over $2,000, with a new minimum grant of $500. Apply by 8 August 2025. Local grants and Excellence Awards are open, individuals and groups can apply now. It’s no secret... Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:17:43 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/what-s-on-your-plate/ Applications are open for the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local grant from now until 1 August 2025 for projects starting after 1 October 2025. No set limit on how much funding you can apply for. The local board will consider each application and decide how much... Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:12:36 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/double-the-local/ A new community-led initiative is bringing movement, music, and mana (power) back to the heart of Ōtara, this time, with seniors at the centre. Three times a week, the Ōtara Town Centre will come alive with free, fun group exercise sessions, designed... Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:04:31 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/the-toy-library-that-could/ In a world where toys are often outgrown faster than they’re unpacked, one local library has made playtime last for generations. The Howick and Pakūranga Toy Library recently celebrated 30 years of providing an invaluable service to families in East... Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:00:18 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/play-that-connects-us/ In Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, more support is being given to a wider variety of play opportunities. The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board has adopted its 2025 Play Plan - a fresh, fun approach to making sure everyone, no matter their age or ability, has plenty of chances... Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:12:53 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/record-breaking-moth-pod-competition-unites-howick-community/ Five early childhood centres, 18 schools, and 19 open teams were involved in: 72,922 pods and 173,380 seedlings removed 246,302 total plants cleared - up 92.92 per cent from last year an estimated 6.1 billion seeds stopped from spreading the moth... Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/07/rising-with-the-tide/ Ōtara-Papatoetoe’s own Lochlan is Rio-bound - with help from the Local Board Excellence Award, this young bright talent is set to take on the world in a 24km ocean race. The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Excellence Award helps locals chase big dreams.... Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/south-auckland-2025-results/ Te taiao (the environment) is breathing easier - 168,925 pods and seedlings gone, thanks to South Auckland’s incredible young eco-warriors! The 2025 Pest-Free South Auckland Moth Plant Competition has wrapped, and the results are next-level! Backed by... Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/homegrown-joy-in-every-space/ The Play Plan is diverse and helps guide future investment in play. The local board has set aside $15,000 to kickstart the Play Plan from July 2025 to June 2026. Play is popping up in more places and new ways across Howick - and it’s all about... Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:44:04 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/box-full-of-cheer/ One example, many impacts - local board funding at its best. Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Boards are making a real difference for families across South Auckland by helping fund baby boxes for whānau (family) and pēpi (baby). Since 2016,... Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:08:33 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/mangere-otahuhu-emergency-plan-good-to-go/   Māngere-Ōtāhuhu has developed a tailored Emergency Readiness and Response Plan to help the community prepare for future disasters. It Identifies key risks and offers tips for safety and recovery. Supports the local board’s climate plan to boost... Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/mangere-youth-voices-recognised/ The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board funded the Youth Voices project — a contribution that earned the ‘Best Community Involvement’ award at the 2024 NZ Community Newspapers Association Awards, for its impact. NZ Community newspapers acknowledgement:... Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:05:22 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/tennis-club-grateful-for-local-board-in-rebuilding-efforts/ A clear example of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board advocacy in action - delivering meaningful support the community can count on. In December 2024, Sunnyside Tennis Club, based in Sunnyside Reserve, Papatoetoe and marking 75 years in 2025, shared a note... Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:38:58 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/together-we-build-safer-communities/ Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is prioritising community safety through partnerships, local initiatives, and shared responsibility. Free safety resources, including multilingual Be Safe, Feel Safe booklets, are available to help residents protect... Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:25:22 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/rock-daisy-rocks-again/ What was once a basic play space with hardly anything to do, Rock Daisy Crescent Reserve in Māngere has now been completely transformed into a fun, safe, and welcoming space for local families. Thanks to the support and funding from the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu... Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:22:01 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/doing-good-let-s-do-it-together/ Community grants are now open until 11 July 2025 for a minimum of $3k. APPLY HERE. Grants are open in two rounds. Round 1: Apply between 2 June – 11 July 2025, for projects starting after 1 October Round 2: Opens 5 January 2026 for projects... Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:04:54 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/celebrating-autism-in-every-shade/ The room is calm, but alive. Soft lights, gentle sounds, and space to breathe. Tamariki (children) take it in - no noise, no rush, no need to explain. Just a moment where everything feels right. It was Sensory Fun Day at Ōtara Library on 29 April - part... Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:08:49 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/annalong-park-playground-upgraded/ Annalong Park playground is open following a $158,000 refresh The upgrade began in March and opened in April Feedback on Howick Local Board playgrounds strategy has helped the board make decisions around play opportunities in the area Annalong Park... Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 EST http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/06/buggin-brilliant-at-mist-of-life/ It’s not every day a TV icon and one of Aotearoa’s most loved scientist personalities turns your local park into a lab - but that’s exactly what happened when Ruud Kleinpaste, a.k.a the Bug Man, hit Kohuora Park in Papatoetoe. Ruud is a naturalist,... Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:56:57 EST