Massive Programme of Track Upgrades Coming for Kaipātiki

John Gillon from

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.