About Waitematā Local Parks Management Plan
The local parks management plan provides a framework and direction about what needs to be considered when protecting, managing, developing and enhancing parks over the next 10 years.
The plan will be a tool that guides park management and assist the local board to make quality decisions about:
- how local parks are used including leases and licences
- how the special natural, historic and cultural areas of local parks will be protected
- what issues and opportunities in local parks require attention over the next 10 years.
The plan will be organised in two volumes.
Volume 1 includes general policies that apply to all parks. These relate to how the local board will manage the parks and how certain activities requiring landowner authorisation will be considered.
Volume 2 provides key information for each individual park including its legal status, any special values and how specific parks should be managed.
First round of public consultation
Between 11 November and December 2024, we sought public feedback about what we should consider as we start drafting the local parks management plan.
we received 73 submissions from both individuals and organisation.
To read the summary of the public feedback received, please look under "Documents" for the summary of public feedback presentation document.
Key feedback themes
Local parks most mentioned
- Grey Lynn Park
- Cox's Bay Reserve
- Albert Park
- Hakanoa Reserve
- Victoria Park
- Dove Myer Robinson Park
- Myers Park
- Western Springs Lakeside Park
Environmental protection
Environment-related feedback included requests for:
- Additional native tree planting
- active restoration programmes and pest management (e.g. Grey Lynn Park, Cox's Bay Reserve and Hakanoa Reserve)
- implementation of te ao Māori and sustainabilty principles (e.g. Western Springs Lakeside Park, Western Park)
Park facilities
Facilites-related feedback included requests for:
- more sports equipment and venues
- more playgrounds and wheelplay
- night time recreation facilities (e.g. lighting) at inner city parks (e.g. Victoria Park)
- provision of clear signage and improved paths
Maintenance requests
Requests included:
- provide more rubbish bins and public toilets
- prevention of flooding on paths and at grounds
- better collaboration between the council and contractors
Accessibility
- requests to improve mobility options to parks and safe cycling connections (e.g, Cox's Bay Reserve, Grey Lynn Park and Dove Myer Robinson Park
- requests for safer footpaths, and fit-for-purpose facilities to improve accessibility to parks
Safety
- Concerns relating to pedestrian and cyclists
- Suggestions to increase lighting
- Concerns relating to dangers caused by alcohol, vandalism and homelessness
Park experience
People who use Waitematā local parks value:
- different types of vibes provided by different parks
- wide range of park features, such as flower beds, unique design seats, lights, park loop track, playgrounds
- mixing with people from different age groups
What happens next
We will draft the plan using feedback from this public consultation and engagement with mana whenua.
In mid or late 2026, we aim to hold a second round of public consultation, asking for feedback on the draft plan.
