Regional parks, growth-related community assets, sports fields, cemeteries and public art are among a range of assets for Aucklanders that have had almost $50 million of funding confirmed through Auckland Council’s Capital Investment Work Programme.
Howick’s Crawford Reserve is allocated close to $1m. The Hunua Ranges is also listed for key works.
The funding for financial year 2023/2024 was approved by councillors in the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on Thursday.
“The funding is a timely and significant capital investment for Tāmaki Makaurau and will help the region continue to regenerate following on from the extreme weather events earlier this year,” says Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.
“This funding will have a positive and tangible effect on our public facilities and is necessary to ensure our environmental, cultural and community taonga are protected and enjoyed now and into the future.”
Close to $7m has been invested in regional parks’ infrastructure. This includes upgrading community facilities, car parks, walking tracks and public toilets.
“Aucklanders love our regional parks, their recreation opportunities and the biodiversity they protect; this investment will help improve the experience for our residents and enhance the experience of visitors at regional parks across Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The Auckland Botanic Gardens has been allocated just over $2m for extensive upgrades including to the irrigation systems and water features.
“Many residents and visitors to the city really enjoy a day out at the Auckland Botanic Gardens and this investment will make visiting this iconic taonga even more enjoyable,” Councillor Angela Dalton, deputy chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says.
The Botanic Gardens funding is part of close to $16.4m of the total Capital Investment Work Programme budget allocated to the Regional Renewals and Development work programme and will also fund regional parks, farming, holiday parks, cemeteries and Pukekawa/Auckland Domain.
Meanwhile, $950,000 will go to slips prevention and remediation which will help areas already affected and build resilience for the future.
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Auckland Botanic Gardens
A number of small-scale assets will be renewed such as nursery irrigation, shade house facilities, CCTV, some paths, interpretation signage and car park lighting. Funding allocation: $2.2m.
Pukekawa / Auckland Domain
The sports field drainage and wastewater pipe network will be upgraded, and the path network will be upgraded and extended. Funding allocation: $1.4m.
Regional parks
Some key projects that will benefit from $6.7m funding include improving Long Bay water supply and rebuilding the workshop at Shakespear Regional Park. Work will also be done at other sites including Atiu Creek and the Hunua Ranges. Funding allocation: $6.5m.
Local parks and sports field development
New growth-related parks including Te Kori Scott Point (Hobsonville), Ray Fausett Reserve (Franklin) and a new neighbourhood park in Ōrewa. There are also major upgrades to East View Reserve (Glen Innes), David Lange Reserve (Māngere), Colin Maiden Park (Stonefields) and Riverhead War Memorial Park. Funding allocation: $10.9m.
Slip prevention and remediation
Significant work will be carried out to protect the Parnell Baths site and access from rock fall. Work will also be carried out to construct a retaining wall to protect the fence and boundary line at Crawford Reserve (Howick). Funding allocation: $950,000.
Public art
The archway of Waharoa in Aotea Square will undergo remedial work. A 3D laser scan will mean a digital record can be kept. New collaborative work is planned with Circuit to create six new digital media art works in locations around Auckland.
