Auckland Council has announced it will invest more than $47 million over the next three years into parks and community facilities, through its Regional Capital Investment Work Programme.
The funding was last week approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee through to financial year 2026/2027.
The significant investment falls across seven areas including regional renewals and development ($13.8 million); commercial and residential leasing ($1.04 million); slips prevention and remediation ($1.8 million); local parks and sports field development ($11.6 million); seismic strengthening ($9 million); public art (3.4 million) and discrete projects ($6.7 million).
Chair of the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, Councillor Richard Hills said the programme was a significant investment for the region.
“This $47 million allocation is a significant investment in infrastructure across the Auckland region,” he said.
“From our stunning regional parks to the significant local community assets, to works to protect our coastal assets from the effects of climate change, these investments enhance what Aucklanders love about our city and will increase access and use of our public assets.
“As Tāmaki Makaurau grows, new facilities like sports fields and parks are key to meeting the needs of residents now, and in the future.”
Deputy Chair, Angela Dalton says the Council owns an array of assets from Franklin in the south, to Rodney in the north.
“These assets need on-going investment to keep them up to spec so they can be used and loved by Aucklanders.”
“We know our communities have such pride in our parks, reserves, public spaces and community facilities so it’s crucial we invest in them while also using council budgets wisely to the best results,” she said.
All projects that are allocated funding will go through an evaluation process.
Council General Manager Parks and Community Facilities, Taryn Crewe says value for money was a key consideration of the programme and continues to be a focus through delivery.
“Infrastructure and amenities across Tāmaki Makaurau will receive much needed investment, benefitting all Aucklanders and visitors to the region.”
“All projects in the Regional Work Programme align with the strategic objectives of the council’s Long-term Plan.
“The council has applied prioritisation principles to achieve the greatest value for money in how and where capital funding is invested,” said Ms Crewe.
The work includes the renewal of existing park infrastructure across the region, like car parks, workshop facilities, plant and equipment, fixtures, fencing and tracks and toilets. The programme also includes the following key projects:
- building a new workshop at Ambury Regional Park, and providing better toilet and changing room facilities;
- renewal of the depot building, at the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Wāitakere Ranges Regional Park, which was in poor condition and was affected by storm damage;
- improving the car park, toilet facilities and associated infrastructure at Tāpapakanga Regional Park (pictured);
- planning for the development of new visitor amenities at Te Arai and Mahurangi East regional parks;
- improving infrastructure at Muriwai Regional Park and renewing a number of assets such as the tractor shed.
