Future recreational use of A F Thomas Park

The Auckland Anniversary floods in 2023 impacted hundreds of people in the Wairau area and many community members are still dealing with the effects.

After considering many different options to protect the community from future flooding, council has approved a plan to transform A F Thomas Park into a multi-purpose place that supports both flood resilience and recreation. The project will restore a natural wetland and create areas within the park that temporarily hold excess water during heavy rain to reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

When dry, these spaces will provide open green parkland for walking, play, and community connection.

These major stormwater works will:

  • reduce flood risk for more than 250 homes and three care homes
  • improve access to North Shore Hospital, supermarkets and local schools.

These stormwater works will also mean changes for how people use the park for recreation. The project will enhance A F Thomas Park as a place for everyone to enjoy. This project is a once in a generation chance to shape new recreational opportunities for everyone in the community.

Golf has a long history here, and we know it matters to many. Golf will be considered as part of this consultation and your views will guide future decisions and ensure a balance of recreation options for all users.

What we want your feedback on

The Kaipātiki Local Board wants your feedback on the types of recreation and open spaces that will best serve the community’s needs including:

  • keeping the area mostly for golf
  • a balance of golf and other recreational uses
  • new open spaces and facilities for different activities

Your feedback will help us to design a park where everyone can enjoy, play and connect now and in the future.

When you can have your say

This consultation will be open for feedback from Monday 20 October to Sunday 23 November 2025.

More information

We will update this page with how you can share your feedback once the consultation opens.

You can email AFThomasPark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.

Check out the Wairau flood resilience project to learn more about flood resilience works in Wairau area.