New Park and Wetland Restoration in Wiri

04 November 2026

Manukau
News
Sustainability
Urban regeneration

Work has started on a new 7.6-hectare park and wetland restoration in Wiri.

There is a long stretch of Te Puhinui stream on a 7.6-hectare piece of land in Wiri that has never been publicly accessible. That will soon change.

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Regeneration work started on site in early October for a project called Te Aka Raataa Stage II, to transform this hidden section of the stream between Great South Road and Kerrs Road into a new public destination for Manukau. As part of this process, it will also be gifted a brand-new name by mana whenua.

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The project is part of Auckland Council’s Urban Development Office’s Transform Manukau programme and will be delivered in partnership with Healthy Waters & Flood Resilience.

Realising the potential of the Puhinui is one of the key moves of the programme guiding this investment. The project is underpinned by a charter, Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui, which seeks to regenerate the health and mauri of this waterway.

As Manukau and Wiri grows, the project will support wider urban regeneration by creating new connections to nature, improving access through the area, and helping shape a healthier, more liveable city for future generations. The Puhinui stream connects to the Manukau Harbour and will reconnect people with the natural environment that has shaped this place.

Once complete, this stage will close a key gap in the wider vision for a continuous corridor linking the Auckland Botanic Gardens with the heart of Manukau. Together with the completed works at Wai-akatea Raataa Vine Stream Reserve and Manu-kau Noa Iho Hayman Park, it will create a more seamless connection between parks, open spaces, and community destinations along the Puhinui catchment.

The project will deliver significant environmental benefits

This 7.6-hectare piece of land was acquired in 2023, to enable this major regeneration project. The key objective is to bring the Puhinui stream back to its full splendour by reinstating 300 metres of natural stream meander, creating a large new wetland, enhancing existing wetlands, and planting more than 55,000 native plants. The work will improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and regenerate the health and mauri of this sacred waterway.

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Since the completion of Stage 1 at Wai-akatea Raataa Vine Reserve, positive indicators of ecological change have included taonga species including kooura (freshwater crayfish), kaakahi (freshwater mussels) and iinanga (whitebait species) started to return after decades of absence. Their return highlight what is possible when the awa is placed at the centre of design.

For the first time, the community will be able to use new shared paths alongside the awa. New stream crossings, boardwalks, gathering spaces, and places to play and learn will help bring the area to life, while future mahi toi will build on this by sharing the cultural narratives of the place.

Karen Wilson, Te Ākitai Waiohua Chair, says that this whenua carries the enduring presence of those who came before and its restoration represents an important step in honouring that legacy.

“This whenua, awa and repo repo are deeply connected to the identity and history of Te Ākitai Waiohua and our tuupuna Ihaka Takaanini and Wirihana Takaanini. The regeneration of this place is a meaningful expression of our commitment to tiaki the whenua, awa and repo repo, protecting their mauri and ensuring they remain healthy and thriving for future generations.”

The site sits alongside major housing developments that will eventually deliver more than 4,000 new homes, welcoming thousands of new residents to Wiri. It is also close to the already underway expansion of the Manukau Super Clinic Health Park, which will eventually provide more than 150,000 additional appointments each year and create around 450 new jobs.

Richard Davison, Auckland Urban Development Office Priority Location Director, says the programme was established through a strong partnership and shared vision with the Crown.

“Working alongside Te Whatu Ora and Kāinga Ora, we helped identify surplus land that could be repurposed for development opportunities and to deliver better outcomes for local communities. The Puhinui stream regeneration strategy and our partnership with local organisations helped lay the foundations for regeneration. That work resulted in the acquisition of this site, as well as two key development opportunities, including Wirihana and a Kāinga Ora housing site".

Richard says that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s initial support was pivotal in the acquisition of the site for much needed regeneration in the area.

“It’s exciting to see this long-term vision becoming a reality, with a new public park, environmental restoration and improved amenities that will enhance the community and benefit local people for generations to come. This project brings together environmental restoration, improved public access and long-term infrastructure investment. The new shared paths in this new park will strengthen connections through the area while creating a healthier and more resilient environment.”

This upgrade is welcome by elected members

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Manurewa Local Board Chair Heather Andrew says the project will surprise and delight visitors.

"With completion expected by the end of 2027, this will be this will be something our local communities can really look forward to next summer, with many setting foot on this land for the first time when the works are completed.

The board is happy to support this opportunity to protect, restore and enhance our environment and make it all the more welcoming.”

The new public space will support movement through Manukau, and form part of the Te Araroa Trail while creating places for people to pause, gather and spend time close to nature.

For nearby residents, workers, Te Whatu Ora Manukau Super Clinic patients and visitors, it will become a new backyard.

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Manurewa-Papakura Councillors Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata say the project will make a real difference for South Auckland communities.

“As Auckland Councillors, we are determined that our community too should have the recreational spaces and best shared paths, and that our officers and contractors need to be funded and supported to deliver on transformational projects such as this one. Ultimately, when this project is completed, a currently inaccessible land will be opened up for young and old. It will be amazing,”

Councillors Newman and Winiata said.

More updates will be shared as construction progresses.