Six Iwi Revitalize Te Auaunga Wetland for Better Flood Management and Community Health
A group of six iwi, known as 'Nga Taonga o Kaipara', have come together to restore Te Auaunga, a once vibrant wetland now serving as a vital urban greenspace. The project, led by Healthy Waters Auckland and iwi authority groups, began in 2015-2016 with the aim of improving flood management and restoring the stream's natural state.
Two centuries ago, Te Auaunga, then known as Te Wai-inu-roa o Rakataura, was a thriving habitat for native species and a resource for Maori. However, land-use changes and grey infrastructure, such as the straightening and deepening of the stream, led to its degradation. The restoration project involves removing basalt, realigning the stream, and planting thousands of native plants to enhance water filtration and flood management.
Community engagement has been a key aspect of the project. The inclusion of cycle paths, walking trails, and recreational spaces has increased park usage and improved the reported health of the stream. This has fostered a shared sense of identity among community groups linked to the revitalised parkway and stream.
The Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ's 'Our land 2024' report highlights the importance of natural infrastructure like Te Auaunga. It demonstrates that urban greenspaces can provide significant benefits for both environmental and human wellbeing, including lower insurance costs and reduced flooding. The Te Auaunga case study shows that green infrastructure projects can be more cost-effective than grey infrastructure in the long run.
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