From award-winning playgrounds and restored waterways to vibrant community spaces, some of Central and East Auckland's most-loved places started with a simple question: what's important where you live?
Every three years, Auckland's local boards work with their communities to create Local Board Plans that guide local investment and priorities. Those plans help shape decisions on parks, community facilities, environmental projects and public spaces.
Here are five projects that show what's possible when local communities have their say.
1. Te Rimutahi: a community vision brought to life
In the heart of Ponsonby, what was once a liquor store and car park has been transformed into one of Auckland's newest civic spaces.
Opened in 2025, Te Rimutahi was a long-held community aspiration and a key priority in the Waitematā Local Board Plan. The flexible public space can host everything from performances and markets to exercise classes and community gatherings, creating a vibrant new place for people to connect.
Te Rimutahi
2. Bringing Te Auaunga back to life
The restoration of Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek has become one of Auckland's most significant environmental success stories.
The award-winning project has transformed stretches of the city's largest urban stream, improving water quality, restoring habitats and creating new spaces for people to enjoy. Shared paths, pedestrian bridges, community orchards and a traditional Māori playground have helped reconnect local communities with the awa while protecting it for future generations.
Oakley Creek
3. A waterfront destination at Onehunga Bay Reserve
Onehunga Bay Reserve has evolved into one of Central Auckland's premier recreation spaces.
Years of planning and investment have delivered a playground, basketball court, pump track, fitness equipment and a popular new flow bowl. With something for all ages, the reserve has become a destination for families, young people and anyone looking to enjoy the waterfront.
Onehunga Bay Reserve
4. Award-winning fun at Barry Curtis Park
Winner of Play Space of the Year 2026, Barry Curtis Park has become one of East Auckland's favourite destinations for families.
Delivered through an investment of more than $2 million, the playground combines imaginative play spaces, activities for children and teenagers, open green areas and beautiful wetlands. It reflects years of community feedback calling for high-quality parks, family-friendly facilities and environmental protection all in one place.
Howick Barry Curtis Park
5. Splashing into success at Potters Park
For more than a decade, Potters Park has been a favourite destination for families across Auckland.
Home to Auckland's first splashpad, the Albert-Eden park continues to attract visitors with its water play area, basketball court, learn-to-ride facilities and open spaces. It's a great example of how long-term local investment can create places that generations of families continue to enjoy.
Potters Park
Have your say on what comes next
These projects are just some of the ways local board plans are helping shape Central and East Auckland.
From 23 June to 23 July, Aucklanders can have their say on draft Local Board Plans that will guide local priorities and investment for the next three years.
Whether it's parks, community facilities, environmental projects, local events or transport connections, your feedback will help shape what comes next.
What's important where you live? Visit akhaveyoursay.nz/localboardplans and have your say.
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