A major Milestone for Te Aka Raataa

14 January 2026

Manukau
News
Mana Whenua
Sustainability
Urban regeneration

A significant milestone has been reached in the regeneration of Te Puhinui Awa.

The completion of Te Aka Raataa Stage 1 has been celebrated with a karakia at Wai-ākatea Rata Vine Stream Reserve.

Stage 1 is the first completed project delivered under Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui (Puhinui Stream Regeneration Strategy) and represents an important step in restoring the health and mauri of this vital awa as part of the Manukau urban regeneration programme led by the Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO).

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Concept drawing for Stage 1.

The project also delivers wider walking paths, cycleways and boardwalks to improve safety and connectivity for local communities.

Restoring the awa and reconnecting communities

Te Aka Raataa Stage 1 has transformed a once concrete-lined channel by naturalising the stream, returning its meanders, and improving ecological health. The project also strengthens connections through the reserve, creating more accessible and welcoming public spaces for the local community.

These improvements support both environmental outcomes and people- focused place-making, reconnecting communities with the awa while enhancing resilience and biodiversity across the site.

Looking ahead: Stage II approved

Alongside the completion of Stage 1, resource consent has now been approved for Stage II, enabling the next phase of regeneration to move forward. This approval ensures momentum continues along Te Puhinui Awa as the long-term vision for restoration and community connection progresses.

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Concept drawing for Stage 2.

A kaupapa grounded in partnership

Delivered by AUDO as part of the Manukau urban regeneration programme, Te Aka Raataa Stage 1 has been achieved through strong collaboration with Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience teams, the Manurewa Local Board and the local community.

This collective approach reflects a shared commitment to Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui and ensures the project is grounded in mātauranga Māori, environmental leadership and community partnership.

“The greatest reward is witnessing this vision come to life - seeing people, place and nature reconnect and watching this space once again become an integral part of our lives.

This milestone reflects the collective passion of so many people committed to regenerating the mauri of Te Puhinui.

Everyone who visits, learns and contributes becomes part of this regenerative journey. Together, we will ensure this living taonga for generations to come.”

Jennice Stringer
Senior Project Manager
Auckland Urban Development Office

"The completion of Stage I is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when long-term vision, partnership and care for place come together. With resource consent now approved for Stage II, we’re delighted to build on this momentum and see the regeneration of Te Puhinui Awa continue to unfold in ways that will be deeply felt and valued by the community.

This next phase is about strengthening people’s connection to te taiao and creating lasting, impact on Manukau to take us one step closer to a full streamside connection between the Botanic Gardens and Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park.”

Richard Davison
Priority Location Director
Auckland Urban Development Office

“Te Aka Raataa is a standout project that the Manurewa Local Board is proud to deliver along with AUDO, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and our investment in Manurewa’s local environment and community.”
Manurewa Local Board Chair
Heather Andrew

A shared commitment to the future

The karakia and the signing of the Puhinui Charter acknowledge the significance of this milestone and reaffirm a collective commitment to restoring the mauri of Te Puhinui. Together, partners are laying the foundations for a healthier awa, stronger communities, and a more resilient Manukau, both now and for generations to come.

Thanks go to Jack Emson, Oliver Ferrick, Soloman, Kade and Wai from Glasgow; Mathew Chandran, Mark Lewis and Lorenzo Canal; and internal team members Jennice Stringer, Richard Davison, Ainsley Verstraeten, Cheilo Manalo, Sara Zwart, Greg Hannah, Anna Halliwell, Tom Mansell, Ole Maiava, Daniel Amanaki, Lisa Gooding, Hanno Willers and Sahar Lone for their dedication and belief in the project. They also acknowledge partners including Te Whangai Trust, DVQS, WSP, Boffa Miskell, Glasgow, Urban Solutions, Resilio, Done, Ayla Hoeta, Adrian Lamont and project artist Chrissy Morehu.

The work doesn’t end here. As the planting takes hold and matures, our hope is that this place continues to thrive, and for our taonga species to return in abundance.

See more about the transformation of Te Aka Raataa here.