Massive Programme of Track Upgrades Coming for Kaipātiki
The Kaipātiki Local Board has approved a mammoth programme of bush track and connection projects.
This includes work to upgrade closed tracks to kauri dieback-prevention standard so we can reopen them. We are also investigating alternative non-kauri recreational routes for people to enjoy, including a coastal walkway between Tui Park and Shepherds Park (going out for public consultation in August/September), a connection between the two halves of Birkenhead War Memorial Park, and the Awataha Greenway* in Northcote. This is the largest investment we've had in new and upgraded connections in Kaipātiki and will go a long way in improving our neglected bush tracks :)
Here is a list of the tracks and paths approved for either construction or investigation over the next 12 months:
* Birkenhead War Memorial Park - new walking/cycling connection from Recreational Drive to Mahara Ave
* Chatswood Reserve - upgrade of closed tracks and bridge
* Chelsea Estate Heritage Park - continue to upgrade all tracks; also realign path (where slip happened) and replace bridge from Colonial Road to Chelsea Sugar factory & cafe
* Eskdale Reserve/Birkenhead Domain - stage 2 of track upgrade work throughout the park network
* Fern Glen Native Gardens - renew the upper meadow pathway
* Fordham St to Lanigan St Bridge - replacement of bridge destroyed by fire
* Hellyers Creek Reserve - upgrade of tracks and investigation of new connections
* Kauri Glen Reserve/Cecil Eady Reserve - upgrade of tracks (Note: the re-routed section 18 is due to open soon)
* LeRoy's Bush Reserve - stage 2 of track upgrade work (Note: the waterfall track is due to reopen in a few weeks)
* Leigh Scenic Reserve - upgrade of tracks, including rerouting of track away from 800 year old kauri tree
* Monarch Park - creation of a new "nature trail" through the northern bush area (investigation and design this year)
* Northcote Awataha Greenway* - connection from Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve, through Northcote Town Centre, behind schools, to new housing development area (investigation and design this year)
* Onepoto Domain - realignment of path away from edge of pond to minimise flooding
* Rangatira Reserve - upgrade of tracks at northern end of park, including connection to Birkenhead College
* Rewi Alley Reserve - replacement of paths, bridge and boardwalk around pond
* Shepherds Park - upgrade of bush tracks
* Smiths Bush Scenic Reserve/Kitewao St Esplanade Reserve - Repair bridge over pond and construct new connection to Kitewao St
* Soldier's Bay Reserve - renew access track
* Standish Reserve - renew connection from Pemberton Ave to coastal bush walk
* Tui Park to Shepherds Park coastal walkway connection (public consultation due August/September)
* Tuff Crater Reserve - St Peter's Street boardwalk reconfiguration and new lookout
Funded by the Kaipatiki Local Board. Some track upgrades part-funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR).
* The Northcote Awataha Greenway project is a collaboration between the Local Board, Hobsonville Land Company, Healthy Waters, Panuku and Auckland Council.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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