Sign In / Register
Auckland Council has secured legal protection for another 700 hectares of regional parkland, including areas at Te Ārai, Mahurangi, Te Mūri and Te Oneroa o Kahu / Long Bay, bringing its entire 45,000-hectare regional parks network under legal protection.
These newly protected areas sit alongside 37,000 hectares already recognised as nationally significant and safeguarded by the Local Government Act. Another 8,000 hectares across the network is protected through separate legislation, like the Reserves Act 1977.
Community Committee chair Councillor Julie Fairey said the Order in Council would not change how regional parks are managed, but would provide greater certainty over their long-term protection.
“This legal step ensures Auckland’s entire 45,000-hectare network of regional parkland is protected, along with the ability for people to access, enjoy and benefit from these iconic landscapes for many years to come,” she said.
Close to eight million people visited Auckland’s regional parks over the past year, with council investment delivering new tracks, improved facilities and greater opportunities to encounter endangered wildlife.
Fairey said the past year had seen half a million native plants added to regional parks, alongside the establishment of 57 hectares of new ngahere (native forest).
“We’re seeing ongoing pest control programmes deliver, with rare species like the native gecko, hihi, kiwi, takahē, and wētāpunga thriving under sanctuary protection programmes.
“A huge win for Tāmaki Makaurau is a 61 per cent increase in kōkako now breeding and flourishing in the Hūnua Ranges – this is recognised as one of New Zealand’s greatest native bird recovery success stories, ever.
“Hundreds of volunteers are backing the council’s focus to restore key locations, driving improvements for biodiversity and climate resilience across the region.”
Regional Parks manager Scott De Silva said council investment over the past year had delivered upgrades to tracks, facilities and accommodation across the network, improving visitor safety and experience.
“Auckland now has 465 kilometres of open trails, providing free accessible outdoor adventure that is good for the heart and soul,” he said.
“Every achievement we make across the network is a win for Aucklanders and I’m particularly proud of what’s been accomplished in the past 12 months.
“We’ve addressed nearly all the track damage left behind from 2023’s severe weather events. Now, our focus is to ensure the network we care for becomes even more significant and valued by Aucklanders and visitors from afar in the years ahead.”
The updated Order in Council was highlighted in the FY2025/26 Regional Parks Annual Report presented to the council’s Community Committee on August 13.
Under the Local Government Act, the Order protects regional parkland from being sold or transferred to another owner. It was amended from July 30 to include land acquired or gifted to Auckland Council since the previous Order was passed in 2008.
Newly protected under the Order of Council:
- Te Oneroa o Kahu / Long Bay – 57.7ha
- Mahurangi – 113.3ha
- Ō Manawatere – 1.4ha
- Pākiri – 29.5ha
- Te Ārai – 399.1ha
- Te Mūri– 64.1ha
- Te Rau Pūriri – 22.9ha
- Waitākere Ranges – 2.4ha
- Ōrere Point– 4.3ha
- Platt Arboretum – 5.6ha.
