How One Aucklander's Vision Transformed a Community Space.
This is a story of how one person with a passion for the environment changed a forgotten park into a thriving urban oasis, protecting homes, businesses, footpaths and the road from flooding as well as protecting plants from the lack of water in the summer.
Recently, I met Mark Van Kaathoven – an environmental champion who has transformed the garden area at the Waiatarau/Freemans Bay Park from a neglected, uninviting space into a thriving urban oasis.
Over the past five years, Mark, with the help of dedicated community volunteers, the Freemans Bay Residents Association, Council’s Community Facilities team and support from the Waitematā Local Board, has not only transformed the park, but sparked a rethinking of how we handle green waste and highlighted the operational, environmental and social benefits of his approach. Mark’s project has not only improved the aesthetics of the area but has also fostered a vibrant ecosystem, attracting a variety of birdlife and other fauna often not seen in the urban environment.
So how has he done it?
Mark identified that the green waste many home and commercial gardeners discarded could actually be used more sustainably to create sponge gardens. His success in delivering that for the Freemans Bay Park encouraged the council to collaborate with Mark on a larger scale project at Tuna Mau/ Western Park, just off Ponsonby Road. This site was chosen due to past flooding issues and its proximity to Mark's residence, allowing for close management and monitoring.
The involvement of the community was key and Mark's presence ensured both a hands-on approach and local participation.
Operationally, we have seen some benefits, contractors no longer need to transport green waste to landfills, avoiding disposal fees and reducing the carbon footprint associated with such trips. Local delivery of green waste to project sites is not only more efficient but also financially beneficial for small operators, who can reinvest the savings into their businesses and educate their clients about this sustainable method. Additionally, the need for mowing difficult, sloped areas is eliminated and mulching around trees protects them from damage caused by line trimmers.
Environmentally, the project has already shown positive results. Birdlife has returned to Western Park, and the trees are healthier due to improved moisture retention, reducing their vulnerability during droughts. The mulch acts as a sponge, addressing issues with muddy and flooded areas, particularly around playgrounds and fields. The Freemans Bay Park even played a role in water retention during the January 2023 storm.
Socially, the transformed park has become a popular spot for relaxation and enjoyment among locals, businesses and visitors from outside the region. It also attracts interest from gardening groups, both locally and internationally, eager to learn from Mark's methodology.
The method used in these projects is simple yet effective: creating regenerative or sponge gardens by layering green waste to mulch down, eliminating the need for digging. This approach initially appears messy, but with proper signage and Mark’s on-site education efforts, the community has embraced it. The sponge garden has resolved issues with muddy seating areas and playgrounds, demonstrating the practical benefits of this innovative technique.
Mark Van Kaathoven’s vision and dedication has not only turned a once bland area into a beautiful urban oasis but has also challenged conventional thinking about green waste management. His efforts have inspired me to ask council to look at how we can use and develop Mark’s ideas more widely across the region.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
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