As we approach the Christmas period, I want to put aside council politics and talk about all the things happening to make our city shine over the busy summer months.
Many of these have had refurbishment, renewal or upgrade works done by council and, while we rightly look forward to the completion of big projects, often it is these small things which make the biggest difference for community life.
But first a few quick reminders: if you’re planning on going for a swim at our wonderful beaches, don’t forget to check safeswim.org.nz for water quality, especially if we’ve had rain – and sunsmart.org.nz before heading outside. If you’re taking your dog, you can find the best places to go and any restrictions on the Auckland Council website.
The Auckland Council website is also the best place to find out dates for rubbish and recycling collection, report a maintenance problem, book a community venue as well as book accommodation at our parks.
Now though, check out some of these small and not so small spots and enjoy longer days and warmer weather! Gosh, so many great places to visit, I can’t wait to get out there and explore. Head over to the Central Library exhibition room which received a spruce up and painting to checkout the new exhibition Lupe I Vao Ese, celebrating Pasifika heritage. Look for the over one thousand plants donated by Ngati Whatua Orakei’s Pourewa Nursery which were planted at Western Park. Walk the tracks at Western Springs Loop, Alberon Reserve and Seddon Fields which have been tidied up, including cleared drainage, trimmed vegetation and gravel top up. The pétanque court at Endeavour Park – James Cook Crescent – has had weeds removed and installation of two new picnic tables. The stairs at Pt Erin Reserve were fully refurbished, the Vermont Reserve playground has had the surface restored and Grey Lynn Park, specifically Williamson Avenue, has newly installed stairs and planting.
Myers Park in the city centre has had a spring clean and the lower path at Dove Myer Robinson Park (Rose Garden) has been re-opened. The Tepid Baths were closed for the annual shutdown during which the facility underwent comprehensive maintenance and cleaning – go have a swim and enjoy a fresh facility. The Wintergardens at the Domain were winners at the Inaugural Auckland Heritage Places awards for 2025, receiving the best tourist attraction award. If you haven’t been for a while go have a look, they are fabulous. The Turkington Mural at Parnell Baths, a significant heritage public artwork, has been reinstated. Fukuoka Friendship Garden had a working bee in September and has been refreshed. I recently met delegates from Fukuoka Council and they are very proud of this garden celebrating our sister city connection.
Lastly, renewal works at Highwic House, a category 1 heritage site, have now been successfully completed. These improvements were designed to enhance the visitor experience and accessibility while preserving the site’s historic character and heritage values. Highwic House also recently was awarded the Residential Heritage Award at the inaugural Historic Places Auckland ceremony, celebrating the outstanding presentation of its heritage gardens.
Enjoy the holidays and the great weather (hopefully!) and see you in 2026.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland
www.desleysimpson.co.nz
Deputy Mayor: Desley Simpson
