The Prime Minister and other parliamentarians have been welcomed to the lower Treaty Grounds at Waitangi.
A pōwhiri was held at 11am, before they gathered for speeches.
Christopher Luxon, who was absent from the Treaty Grounds last year, had promised to bring a message of unity.
After meeting with Māori leaders at the Iwi Chairs Forum on Wednesday, he said they were “aligned” on issues like localism, devolution and lifting Māori outcomes in health, education and law and order.
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As Waitangi Day commemorations continue drawing people from across Aotearoa and around the world to the Bay of Islands, Te Tii Marae has become a gathering point for Indigenous ocean leadership from across the Pacific.
Taiātea: Gathering of the Oceans held its public forum yesterday, uniting more than 20 Indigenous leaders, marine scientists and researchers from Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, Hawai’i, Niue, Rapa Nui and Aotearoa.
The forum forms part of a wider 10-day wānanga taking place across Te Ika a Māui (North Island).
With a focus on the protection and restoration of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean, kōrero throughout the day centred on the exchange of knowledge, marine protection, ocean resilience and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
A key message remained prevalent throughout the day – the moana is not separate from the people, but a living ancestor, and a responsibility carried across generations.
Taiātea Symposium at Waitangi 2026 . . . a key message remained prevalent throughout the day – the moana is not separate from the people, but a living ancestor. Image: WAI 262 – Kia Whakapūmau/wai262.nz / projects@wai262.nz/RNZ Pacific
‘Continue that path of conservation, preservation’ Hawaiʻi’s Solomon Pili Kaho’ohalahala, co-founder of One Oceania, a former politician, and a respected elder, framed his kōrero around the belief that there is no separation between human and nature — “we are all one”.
For Kaho’ohalahala, being present at Waitangi has been a powerful reminder of the links between past, present, and future.
“Waitangi is a very historical place for the Māori people,” he said. “It is where important decisions were made by your elders.
“So to be here in this place, for me, is significant.”
Solomon Pili Kaho’ohalahala, known as Uncle Sol, on board the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise en route to Kingston, Jamaica, for a summit of the ISA in 2023 . . . “We need to negotiate and navigate the challenges we face in the present.” Image: Martin Katz/Greenpeace/RNZ Pacific
“We are talking about historical events that have happened to our people across Oceania, preserved by the elders who had visions to create treaties . . . decisions that were going to be impactful to the generations to follow,” Kaho’ohalahala said.
“It brings the relevancy of these conversations. They are what we need to negotiate and navigate the challenges we face in the present. The purpose for this is, ultimately, no different to the kupuna (Hawai’ian elder), that this was intended for the generations yet unborn,” he added.
Kaho’ohalahala also reflected on the enduring connections between indigenous communities across oceans.
“To be a part of this conversation from across the ocean that separates us, our connection by our culture and canoes is to help us understand that we are still all connected as the people of Oceania.
“But we need to be able to reiterate that, and understand why we need to emerge from that past to bring it to our relevancy to these times and issues, to continue that path of conservation, preservation, for those unborn.”
‘Our ocean … a living organism,’ advocate says Cook Islands environmental advocate and Ocean Ancestors founder Louisa Castledine reiterated the responsibility of Indigenous peoples to protect the ocean and pass knowledge to future generations.
She said Waitangi was the perfect backdrop to encourage these discussions. While different cultures face individual challenges, there is a collective sense of unity.
“One of our key pillars is nurturing our future tamariki, and the ways of our peu tupuna, and nurturing stewardship and guardianship with them as our future leaders,” Castledine said.
“It’s about reclaiming how we perceive our ocean as being an ancestor, as a living organism, as whānau to us. We’re here at Waitangi to stand in solidarity of our shared ancestor and the responsibility we all have for its protection,” Castledine said.
She said people must be forward-thinking in how they collectively navigate environmental wellbeing.
“We all have a desire and a love for our moana, our indigenous knowledge systems of our oceans are critical to curating futures for our tamariki and mokopuna,” she said.
“We want to ensure that generations that come after us will continue to be able to feed generations beyond all of us. It’s about safeguarding their inheritance.”
Wuikinuxv Nation Chief Councillor Danielle Shaw with the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative . . . “This is [an] opportunity to learn about common challenges we may have.” Image: CFN Great Bear Initiative/RNZ Pacific
Learning about shared challenges Canadian representative Chief Anuk Danielle Shaw, elected chief councillor of the Wuikinuxv Nation, said the challenges and goals facing Indigenous peoples were often shared, despite the distances between them.
“This is [an] opportunity to learn about common challenges we may have, and how other nations and indigenous leaders are facing those challenges, and what successes they’ve been having,” she said.
“It just makes sense that we have a relationship, and that we build that relationship.”
She noted the central role of the marine environment for her people.
“It’s not lost on me that my people are ocean-going people as well. We rely on the marine environment.
“Our salmon is the foundation and the backbone of our livelihood and the livelihood of all other beings in which we live amongst. I’m a world away, and yet I’m still sitting within the Pacific Ocean.
“So the work I do at home and how we take care of our marine environment impacts the people of Aotearoa as well, and vice versa. And so it just makes sense that we have a relationship, and that we build that relationship, because traditionally we did,” she added.
Following the public forum, indigenous leaders will visit haukāinga in the Tūwharetoa and Whanganui regions for further knowledge exchanges and to discuss specific case studies.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
A sunrise sets over Te Tii beach as Waitangi commemorations commence. Image: Layla Bailey-McDowell/RNZ
In a statement, the Springston School Te Kura o Makonui board said its thoughts were with the child’s family, and staff and students were being supported.
“We have had a tragic passing of a student of our school. We are unable to provide any further details at this point as the police investigation is continuing,” they said.
People across the North Island are reporting possible sightings of a meteor.
Social media users, including one in Kaitaia, have shared videos of or reported seeing a bright flash light up the sky in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Te Whatu Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki said he had received at least a dozen reports of the event, which appeared to be similar to the meteor in Wellington last week.
He said a meteor or “shooting star” was fairly common but rare to see.
Astronomer Josh Aoraki says the event appears to have been similar to the meteor in Wellington last week (pictured here).Supplied/ PredictWind.com
“It’s usually a small point of light moving fast over the sky.
“From the reports today, it sounds like it was what’s called a fireball, which usually moves a bit slower and is a lot brighter. Often you can see an object breaking up and flashing with light, and they have a distinct green hue, very different from a satellite or a comet.
He said that while these meteors were common occurrences, it was rare to see one.
“Meteors themselves are not rare. Astronomers estimate that about 100 tonnes of debris, which is essentially stuff from space, falls to Earth every day.
“The rarity is actually seeing them because we don’t usually get very bright ones. Most happen over the ocean, so to see it over a populated area is very rare.
A social media user in Kaitaia reported a bright flash lighting up the sky in the early hours of Thursday morning.Supplied / Screenshot
“It’s luck we’ve had two really bright ones recently.”
He said expected the meteor could have been seen from several areas across the North Island.
Stardome was working to confirm the sightings and it was possible, if it was big enough, that a meteorite could have hit land, Aoraki said.
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Consumer NZ says New Zealand is facing a “really serious” situation with insurance becoming increasingly unaffordable and potentially inaccessible – and a new review needs to urgently tackle the problem.
It was revealed this week that the Council of Financial Regulators has been asked to conduct a review of insurance affordability for households, and the Commerce Commission has been asked for an initial market assessment.
Plans to introduce new levies as part of the Natural Hazards Insurance Act have been paused until the review can happen.
In a cabinet paper recommending the review, Treasury said home insurance premiums had grown at three times the rate of the consumer price index since 2011, and there had been a 40 percent rise in the past two years.
“Premiums have grown even faster for some people in high-risk areas. Insurance remains largely available, but access is becoming more difficult in areas facing both high earthquake and flood risk. With improved scientific understanding of seismic and climate risk, further increases are expected, and coverage may soon become unavailable for some people at any price.”
The first stage of the insurance review is expected to take six months and will be followed by a second phase, of policy development.
“New Zealand’s higher risk profile is likely a contributing factor, with investors demanding higher returns for the higher risk. However, it could also indicate weaker competitive pressures in New Zealand.”
Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy said he would be surprised if the Commerce Commission did not conclude that there were the same issues in insurance as were seen in the banking sector and the supermarket sector. “And others they’ve done market studies on that are problematic from a competition perspective.”
He said it was likely that a broader market study would be justified. A market study would allow more rigourous economic analysis of the profitability of insurance businesses as well as the factors that might make the market unique.
New Zealanders seemed to be getting a tough deal from insurers.
“Wellington is the most expensive place in the country to live. We live on multiple fault lines, we live close to the sea… increasingly it’s becoming too difficult for people, especially apartment dwellers in Wellington to afford what is the basic of living in a first world economy. You need to be able to insure your property. There are lots of factors that go into it but one of them appears to be that Australian-owned insurers – there’s really only two players in the market in home insurance, IAG and Suncorp – appear to be earning higher returns in New Zealand than they do in Australia.”
‘A prudential risk for banks’
He said he hoped to see some urgency from the government, and for it to accept it was an interlinked problem with climate adaption and the fundamentals of the market.
“The banking sector needs to be made aware of this, because if suddenly insurance isn’t available on a whole lot of properties that have mortgages over them, and that means those mortgage holders could be in breach of their mortgage terms and conditions, what happens where those mortgage-holders default? Or there is a natural disaster, and suddenly all of those mortgages can’t be called in.
“That’s a prudential risk for the banks, especially in an economy like New Zealand, where it has been a housing market with a small economy tacked on. This is really serious stuff, and I guess that’s why the Treasury’s kind of woken up and gone, actually, we’d better do something here.”
Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said it was not surprising that premiums had increased.
“Does anyone remember Cyclone Gabrielle a couple of years ago? Those increases are very much being driven in many regards by reinsurance costs and the risk factors New Zealand has.”
He said the rate of annual inflation in dwelling insurance peaked at 25 percent in the March 2024 quarter, and contents insurance lifted by 28 percent in the same year.
“Before then, there was a bit of a burst in dwelling insurance that peaked at 18 percent back in 2018.
“We noted as well, though, last year, the level of rising challenges that you’re facing out there in the environment, the number of states of emergency continuing to lift… we’ve seen a 237 percent increase in the number of days that parts of New Zealand spent under a state of emergency in the last 12 years compared to the previous 12.
“So there’s a much more sustained level of pressure that’s putting pressure on the insurers who need to be able to pay for all these claims.”
He said in 2006, total insurance costs were 1.7 percent of overall household spending.
That increased to 3.16 percent in 2020.
He said there had also been a shift towards dwelling insurance and away from other types such as life insurance.
Police staff escorting a seal pup that had made its way into New Plymouth CBD back to the foreshore.NZ Police
An adventurous seal pup got a full police escort back to the New Plymouth foreshore last night after wandering into the CBD.
Police posted a photograph of the errant seal on their Central Region Facebook page.
It’s on the footpath outside Chaos Cafe on Brougham Street with three officers directing it down the road towards the Huatoki Stream and the ocean.
“This seal pup went for a wander a bit too far from home last night, but staff were on hand to escort him safely back to the sea,” the post said.
“A happy ending for a curious little explore.”
The post had received hundreds of ‘likes’ and more than a few comments about how cute the situation was.
“Gave the town the ‘seal of approval’,” said Jenny Keenan.
While RJ Henderson thought it was a “fishy case”.
And Carolyn Morphus wondered if the officers would be enforcing the letter of the law.
“Were they gunna arrest it for sleeping rough, lol.”
Chaos Cafe is about 300 metres away from the New Plymouth foreshore where it is not uncommon to see fur seals resting among the rocks along the Coastal Walkway.
The city has a resident population of fur seals (kekeno) located on the Ngā Motu / Sugar Loaf Islands in the Tapuae Marine Reserve, just off the coast from Port Taranaki.
Pups are born during the summer months, with most seals returning to the sea by mid-January.
On its website, the Department of Conservation says it is not uncommon for fur seals to “venture several kilometres inland following rivers and streams”.
“They can appear in unusual places, such as a paddocks, backyards, roadsides or inner-city streets. This is normal behaviour, particularly for young animals as they explore their environment.”
DOC advises people who encounter fur seals to leave them alone.
“Fur seals are wild animals and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. They can move surprisingly quickly on land. While fur seals can look harmless, they can inflict serious injuries to dogs or people and can carry infectious diseases.”
You should:
stay at least 20 m away
don’t disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things
keep dogs and children away
don’t attempt to feed seals
never attempt to touch a seal.
It says the following are normal behaviours and you don’t need to intervene.
You may see fur seals:
sneezing, coughing and with weepy eyes
drifting in the waves
flapping flippers as if stranded
immobile
fighting
pups spending time away from their mothers.
DOC’s website points out it is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal. A dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution.
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The PSA is appalled that the IPCA doesn’t have the resources to investigate the policy of Police withdrawing from supporting mental health workers which is now being phased out.
The PSA laid an official complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) last month after Police failed to assist mental health workers who were assaulted by a distressed patient. It also requested a wider review into the consequences of the Police’s phased withdrawal from supporting mental health workers.
In its response to the PSA (attached) the IPCA concedes that violence and assaults against mental health workers are a “significant concern” – but states that it does not have the resources to investigate the Police Mental Health Change Response Programme.
The Authority says it currently has a “high volume” of complaints and that it may be some time before it can assess the mental health workers’ complaints about the incident which took place on 21 November 2025.
“This is extraordinary. A critical public watchdog is admitting a serious safety crisis exists but lacks resources to investigate it. That’s a damning indictment of Government funding priorities for independent oversight,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The Government has been warned of the funding pressures by the Authority in recent annual reports and in itsBriefing to Incoming Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith in December 2023. It advised him then that ‘our current funding allows us to operate at the minimum viable level’, stating that cash reserves would run out in late 2025.
The IPCA also has the clear authority, under Section 12 of theIndependent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988to carry out investigations into ‘any Police practice, policy or procedure’ related to the complaint.
“Mental health workers are being left exposed to increasing violence and the very Authority that should be investigating the policy doesn’t have the resources to do its job. That’s deeply alarming.”
“This comes at a time when public confidence in Police is dropping, making independent oversight more important than ever.
“For democracy to function, the Government needs to properly fund the watchdogs that hold agencies to account, especially in the face of widespread cuts to public services which have consequences like this.
“If the IPCA can’t investigate threats to worker safety because of funding constraints, what else is being ignored? What other critical issues are falling through the cracks because oversight bodies are stretched too thin?
“This is part of a disturbing pattern. We know for a fact that the Privacy Commissioner is overwhelmed with complaints and has been starved of funding despite repeated warnings to the Government over the last few years.
“We call on the Government and Police to shelve plans for Police withdrawal from mental health support before it’s too late and more workers are assaulted or an avoidable tragedy occurs.
“The failure to provide Police support to mental health workers on 21 November should be urgently investigated.”
The IPCA has assigned the specific complaint in relation to the assaults on workers to a caseholder for assessment.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today advises that René Dedoncker has notified his resignation from his position as Managing Director Global Markets Consumer to take up a position outside of Fonterra.
René Dedoncker has been with the Co-op since 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time, including leading our Mainland Group business since March 2025.
Prior to this role, René was a member of the Fonterra Management Team as Managing Director Global Consumer and Foodservice.
René has also led Fonterra’s Australian business, including through its merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania, and has held global leadership roles within our Foodservice business.
René has a 6 month notice period and has indicated his willingness to continue leading Mainland Group through the completion of the divestment transaction and transition to Lactalis ownership.
CEO Miles Hurrell thanks René for his significant contribution to Fonterra, particularly through the process to divest Mainland Group, where René has continued to provide strong leadership and drive performance as we prepared the business for sale.
About Fonterra
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities byDoing Good Together.
New bridges for drivers and pedestrians over the rail lines in Takanini are a step closer with the award of a construction contract for new bridges to replace rail level crossings.
Auckland Transport (AT) has announced the appointment of Fulton Hogan as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for the Takanini Level Crossing Project.
The project enables more frequent trains while improving safety, keeping traffic moving and enhancing urban areas. Replacing level crossings with safer new connections is part of Auckland Transport and KiwiRail’s plan to keep increasing train frequencies and grow public transport use in the years after City Rail Link opens.
Fulton Hogan will work with AT and design partners Aecom-Jacobs on detailed planning to build five new bridges proposed for Takanini. This includes three new vehicle and pedestrian bridges and two bridges for pedestrians and cyclists – replacing four level crossings.
Auckland Transport is also currently building three new pedestrian bridges at Glen Innes, Te Mahia and Takaanini stations to allow level crossings to be closed.
Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee says the new crossings for all modes of transport are incredibly important.
“These crossings not only remove the dangerous level and pedestrian crossings and create safer environments for all modes of transport, they also mean the number of passenger and freight trains can increase significantly and enable CRL to work at a capacity reflecting the level of investment.”
AT Co-Director Infrastructure and Place Jane Small says bringing the construction contractor in early to support planning and detailed design work will help to build the bridges more efficiently and drive better value for money.
“Fulton Hogan’s early involvement will also enable innovation and minimise disruption to local communities during construction.
“Their proven track record in complex infrastructure projects makes them an ideal partner for this major initiative, which will help unlock the benefits of City Rail Link and improve safety and connectivity in Takanini.”
Site investigations are currently taking place across Takanini to inform the design process ahead of community engagement in early 2026. Geotechnical, topographical, contamination and utilities investigations will be carried out at more than 200 locations. Property acquisition is also underway.
Enabling works are expected to start in late 2026 with main construction starting in late 2027.
Managing traffic impacts is a priority of the project. There will be a plan in place and initiatives to minimise traffic impacts after City Rail Link opens and during construction, especially when it comes to managing impacts on businesses.
Better connections a priority for Takanini community
Engagement and research with the Takanini community has highlighted strong support for replacing level crossings with bridges as a critical step to ease congestion and improve safety.
Feedback received also included:
The need for safer, more accessible walking and cycling connections and improved access to public transport.
A desire for better landscaping and greenspaces.
Disconnected paths and a lack of safe crossings lead to short car trips, adding pressure to local roads.
Maintaining access to businesses and services during construction is important, along with the need to manage traffic and congestion effectively.
Themes gathered will help shape concept designs ahead of further engagement with the community early next year.
About 2,500 tonnes of asphalt will be laid in just two weeks while the Ti Rākau Drive/Pakūranga Highway intersection is closed from 27 December 2025 to 12 January 2026.
The closure allows Auckland Transport’s Eastern Busway alliance crews to complete months of work in just two weeks.
Auckland Transport Programme Director and Eastern Busway Owner Interface Manager Andy Huang says although the closure is inconvenient for some road users, working around the clock while traffic is lighter allows the project team to fast-track necessary work.
“This approach minimises overall disruption to road users and saves costs. It helps us continue to successfully progress busway construction as quickly as possible.”
Once reopened, the upgraded intersection will return to two lanes in both directions.
“This intersection upgrade is crucial for the Eastern Busway,” says Mr Huang.
“Crews are reconfiguring the road layout, constructing 330m of kerb, laying 2,500 tonnes of asphalt and installing new traffic lights and streetlights. This short, sharp disruption will deliver long-lasting benefits for East Auckland.
“We’re asking everyone who may use Ti Rākau Drive to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time.”
Ti Rākau Drive will be closed between Aylesbury Street and William Roberts Road in both directions as will the Pakūranga Highway on and off ramps. Rā Hihi (Reeves Road) flyover will remain open for Pakūranga Highway access.
Care has been taken to minimise impacts for the community. Access has been maintained for local shops on Ti Rākau Drive via a temporary road at the William Roberts Road, Mattson Road and Tī Rākau Drive intersection. The Pakūranga Plaza bus stop has been temporarily relocated, footpaths remain open, and the team is working directly with residents living close to works.
In addition, AT and its Eastern Busway project partners are continuing investigations on an upgrade of the Pakūranga Road and Rā Hihi singalised intersection to allow three lanes towards Howick and help traffic flow better in the weekday afternoon peak commute. AT will continue to monitor this intersection and update the wider community on plans for construction upgrades early next year.
Opening in 2027, The Eastern Busway is a key part of Auckland’s rapid transit network connecting East Auckland to the wider region.
Bus services continue with detours. Passengers can check the AT journey planner at at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/journey-planner for live updates.
Chair Dr Deon Swiggs says the regional council’s responsibilities are very clear: while the Christchurch City Council owns and operates the sewage treatment plant, Environment Canterbury’s job is to ensure it meets the conditions of its resource consent. One of the key conditions is that odour should not leave the boundary of the facility.
“In recent weeks, odour has very clearly been leaving the site,” he said. “That triggers more directive compliance action. We now have a better understanding of what has gone wrong and are working with the City Council to get them back to compliance so residents right across Christchurch are no longer affected.”
Thousands of complaints in days
The regional council has been inundated with reports from the public. Over the past week (since 26 January), we have received nearly 4000 complaints, with 2500 of these from the eastern suburbs.
“That’s a significant number, and it reflects just how widespread and severe the issue is,” Chair Swiggs said.
Over the weekend, our staff were in the suburbs around the wastewater treatment plant speaking directly with residents and monitoring conditions in the worst-hit areas.
Action underway
Environment Canterbury Chair Dr Deon Swiggs
Environment Canterbury has contacted the City Council informing them of their non-compliance with their air discharge consent conditions. The City Council is required to outline how it will stop the smell and what its plan is for the future.
Chair Swiggs says Environment Canterbury can’t force the City Council to shut down a major sewage plant – that would be unrealistic and have huge consequences.
“What we can do is require them to tell us how they plan to return to compliance. They must explain what they are doing, how they plan to manage the smell, and what the timelines look like.”
Concerns about the long road ahead
The City Council has indicated that fully restoring the treatment plant could take up to three years. Chair Swiggs says this raises concerns.
“We need clarity from the City Council about how they will manage the situation in the meantime so they stay in compliance,” he said.
Environment Canterbury has also sought advice from the National Public Health Service. Medical officers have confirmed the smell can cause physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea – many residents have reported feeling unwell and that they’ve missed work.
Impact on communities concerning
Chair Swiggs has visited several of the affected suburbs and says the conditions are concerning.
“I live in the central city, and even there my eyes were stinging last week. Closer to the plant, people’s eyes water, the smell is overwhelming, and residents feel physically unwell. I completely empathise — it’s not good enough.”
Chair Swiggs says the focus now is on ensuring this does not happen again and establishing a clear path toward long-term solutions.
“We need to get on top of this and give communities confidence that there is a plan in place.”
Have dedicated knowledgeable staff who actively manage the flood defence systems (such as stop banks and floodgates), make field observations and give advice on the performance of the assets protecting the community.
Our technology measures and transmits rainfall and river level data in real-time.
Stand up a 24/7 Flood Control team that monitors river levels to understand flows and share timely warnings and information during a weather event.
Our team follows clear plans to respond to various conditions and works closely with partner agencies to give them the best information.
Share what we know with the community through flood warnings, advisories, and continuous monitoring data on our website.
All of these actions work together to create a flood warning system, and we need to make sure this system is as robust as possible to help us inform and prepare communities across Waitaha.
To deliver this complex and critical programme of work, we have an experienced team focused on improving every part of the system – from site infrastructure and networks to data management and flood modelling.
What we’ve achieved so far
Here are just a few examples of what the team has been working on:
Improved our flow forecasting models which predict river flow based on forecast rainfall.
Expanded and improved the accuracy of flood inundation modelling across the region.
Updated and expanded 24/7 roles to help protect communities by ensuring all parts of the flood warning system work together effectively.
Since July, we have upgraded 23 sites and installed two new ones.
Expanded and promoted our flood warning text service, which provides early warning alerts to people in high-risk flood areas to rising river flows.
Checked priority sites to ensure equipment is working reliably.
Flood room communications are being upgraded as part of ongoing improvements to deliver faster response times.
Reviewed all issues with our sites and digital systems during flood events since 2020 and taken action to fix problems.
Put in place a new process to be digitally ready ahead of events to ensure our website and digital systems can stay operational during high website traffic.
Developed a diagnosis tool to continuously monitor the status of the network and rapidly pinpoint where issues are.
What’s next
As we move into the new year, our focus remains clear: build resilience through new equipment, clearer processes, better communication and more robust backend systems.
To do this we need to work with our local territorial authorities as well as other regional councils, science and engineering experts, local iwi and central government to make sure we have a system that meets the needs of all our communities. This will build collective resilience across Aotearoa and strengthen our system overall.
As we work to upgrade our system and service, we will continue to deliver timely, accurate, and actionable flood risk information to communities, helping people protect themselves and their whānau, property and livelihoods.
With extreme weather becoming more frequent, these upgrades are critical to keeping communities safe now and for the future.
From weekend planting days to stream clean-ups, predator control and education projects, community groups across Waitaha Canterbury are already doing incredible work for the environment – often powered by volunteers, passion and local know-how.
Now, we’re inviting community groups across Waitaha Canterbury to take their ideas further, with three contestable funding rounds open to support practical, community-led projects.
Whether you’re a small volunteer group, a catchment collective, rūnanga or a local trust, these funds are designed to help turn good ideas into meaningful, on-the-ground outcomes.
What this can look like on the ground
Community-funded projects come in many shapes and sizes. Two typical examples might look like this:
Restoring a local stream: A small community group has been caring for a local stream for several years, relying on volunteer working bees and donated plants. With contestable funding support, the group is able to fence off vulnerable areas, purchase eco-sourced native plants, bring in expert advice to guide planting, and host a community planting day that attracts new volunteers. Over time, the project improves water quality, restores habitat for native species, and builds long-term community stewardship of the stream.
Preparing for a changing climate: A neighbourhood or catchment group is noticing more frequent flooding and drier summers affecting local land and waterways. With support from the Waitaha Action to Impact Fund, the group develops a climate adaptation plan that includes actions such as planting shade trees, restoring wetlands to slow floodwaters, improving soil health, and running workshops to help the community understand and prepare for climate impacts. The project helps reduce local climate risks while strengthening community resilience and connection. Projects like these are happening right across Canterbury — led by people who know their local places best.
Funding that supports real community action
Waitaha Action to Impact Fund
This fund supports a wide range of community-led environmental projects, including native planting, pest and weed control, wetland restoration, education programmes, and community engagement activities. It’s particularly well suited to grassroots groups wanting to grow their impact or trial new ideas. Find out more about this fund.
Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund
For groups working within Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, this fund helps protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. Projects may include fencing and planting to protect remnant bush, controlling invasive species, and restoring habitats for native wildlife. Find more about this fund.
CWMS Action Plan Fund
Aligned with the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, this fund supports projects that improve freshwater health and strengthen local water stewardship — from riparian planting and wetland restoration to catchment planning and education initiatives. Find out more about the fund.
Designed with community groups in mind
The funding recognises the important role community groups play in caring for the region’s environment.
“These funds recognise the energy, knowledge and commitment that exists across our communities,” Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Regional Council, Iaean Cranwell says. “By backing local ideas, we’re helping people deliver projects that reflect local priorities and create lasting benefits for their area.”
Funding can be used for things that often make the biggest difference for volunteer groups — such as materials, plants, fencing, contractors, specialist advice, coordination, and community engagement activities.
Thinking about applying?
If your group has an idea — whether it’s something you’ve been talking about for a while, or a project already underway that could go further with support — now is the time to apply. Applications for all three funds are open now and close at 11:59pm on Sunday 15 February 2026.
We encourage groups to:
Start simple — strong, achievable projects are encouraged
Focus on local benefits and community involvement
Use the funding guides and checklists available online to support applications
Ready to apply for funding? Full details, eligibility criteria and application forms are available on our
Initial assessments undertaken on Monday show the vessel has sustained more significant damage than originally anticipated. It is likely that the full amount of marine diesel fuel that was on the vessel has been released to the sea; observations are showing us that the environment is coping with the release of this fuel, with sheens decreasing throughout the day.
Wildlife specialists are on standby, and precautions are in place to mitigate any potential impacts to the surrounding environment. No wildlife in distress has been observed at this time.
Recovery planning underway
We are working closely with iwi partners, the Department of Conservation, the vessel owner and specialist salvage team to progress a safe and coordinated recovery operation.
Our focus is on protecting the environment and ensuring the recovery is carried out safely and in a way that minimises further risk to the environment.
“This is a complex operation, and we appreciate the support of all agencies and the local community as we work through the safest approach,” said Emma Parr, Regional On‑Scene Commander.
Current planning indicates the recovery will occur in two phases:
Phase 1: Moving the vessel into deeper water, where it can be submerged in a controlled manner to prevent further structural damage from wind and sea conditions. This is anticipated to happen over the next 24 hours.
Phase 2: Once stabilised, the vessel will be lifted and removed from the area. The timing of this will depend on weather, sea conditions, and operational safety requirements.
Exclusion zone remains in place
An exclusion zone continues to be enforced around the vessel, and all non‑response vessels must keep clear to ensure the safety of those working on site.
Further updates will be provided as the response progresses.
“These are the most consequential reforms that New Zealand has faced for quite some time and there is a lot at stake” Chair Swiggs said.
Canterbury Regional Council plans to file submissions regarding rates capping, the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, and Simplifying Local Government proposal.
Staff prepared the submissions in consultation with Councillors, and any feedback received during Thursday’s workshop would inform Council’s final draft submissions.
Swiggs acknowledged the recent work both Councillors and staff had done – including over the summer shutdown period.
“I really appreciate what everyone has done in this space, including conversations you’ve had with your communities, your papatipu, with mayors, fellow councillors and ministers – the work has gone on,” Chair Swiggs said.
“The proposals are complex and difficult to engage with in isolation. It’s important that as many people as possible get on the same page, because it’s not just regional governance that’s at stake here, it’s our environment, our livelihoods, our future.”
Dr Deon Swiggs, Chair Environment Canterbury
Rates capping
The Government has agreed to introduce a rates target model for local government, applicable from 1 July 2029 with a transition period from 2026. A preliminary target range of 2-4 per cent per year per capita is proposed.
The draft submission states that the Council “supports the need for financial accountability but does not support the model as proposed” and is “of the view that a rates cap will not lead to the outcomes the Government is seeking”.
Councillors debated the submission and shared their views, with feedback expected to influence the final submission. Of note was the reinforcement that financial discipline was important, with or without a rates cap.
It also recommends that emergency response and disaster recovery should be considered separately.
The Government is proposing a major overhaul of local government, including the abolishment of regional councillors and the creation of a board of mayors to collectively lead regional issues and take over current regional council roles and obligations.
The Council’s draft submission agrees that local government needs reform. We recommend regional councillors remain in office until the 2028 local elections to provide continuity of regional governance and support a stable transition during reform. The submission recommends a temporary governance arrangement of the district mayors that includes representation from regional council, mana whenua, and central government to make decisions on regional reorganisation.
It also recommends an amended timeframe to allow for greater clarity and more analysis to align with the resource management reform processes. It is a complex proposal, and time is needed to understand the cumulative impacts, including allocation of roles and responsibilities, costs to transition and implement, and funding and resourcing arrangements.
Councillors agreed that a stable transition is critical and the value of decision making at a regional scale should not be overlooked.
The submission goes on to say that Council is “significantly concerned” that the proposals limit mana whenua voice in regional decision-making and “critically undermine Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga, historically recognised by the Crown through the Ngai Tahu Settlement Act”.
Deputy Chair Iaean Cranwell said Ngāi Tahu has gone through their Settlement and it’s important mana whenua continue to have a say in Waitaha while working alongside the regional council.
“Our partnership with Environment Canterbury is probably one of the shining lights of relationships with councils throughout the Takiwā of Ngāi Tahu. I’m concerned that if the Government removes Te Tiriti o Waitangi from the two Acts they’ll create more Treaty grievances,” he said.
Planning and Natural Environment Bills
The Government has proposed to replace the current Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.
This will result in more centralised decision-making, stronger environmental limits, enhanced protection of property rights, and fewer plans and resource consents.
The Council’s draft submission agrees that the current Resource Management Act is no longer fit for today’s challenges, and that reform is “necessary and overdue”. However, there’s concern about a “shift towards centralised decision-making” that “will lead to a loss of voice for communities.
“For reform to be successful, it must work for the communities it serves by establishing an enduring framework that meets the needs of current and future generations.”
While Environment Canterbury supports many of the goals in the Natural Environment Bill, our submission states it should go further – requiring restoration and improvement of natural environments.
Under the Government proposals, local authorities would only handle a small range of tasks. Crucial decisions around policy, funding and planning, would be made by new spatial planning committees. Regional councils and mana whenua have invaluable perspectives so it’s crucial they are included in these new committees and are part of the decision-making for the long-term success of our region.
What’s next
The rates capping submission is due on 4 February and set to be endorsed under delegation by Chair Dr Deon Swiggs.
Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill submissions are due on 13 February and Simplifying Local Government on 20 February. Both are set to be endorsed on 11 February by Environment Canterbury’s Strategy and Policy Committee.
Auckland Council and theGovernment have confirmed the appointment of the expert group that will lead hearings on proposed PlanChange 120.
Known asan ‘independent hearings panel’, the group is made up of nine members with extensive backgrounds in planning, natural hazards, law, infrastructure, transport, economics, design, landscape, cultural values and tikanga Māori.
Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, welcomes the appointmentsto the panel.
“I’m pleased with the calibre of individuals here. Theywill be shepherding the public submissionson what will be some of the biggest decisions made this term, it’s important we have the knowledge and years of relevant experience here.”
What does the panel do?
The panel is jointly appointed by the council and the government.
Every submission made on Plan Change 120will becarefully considered by the panel. Theywill look at the evidenceprovidedandrecommend changes whereappropriate.
Submitters do not have to attend the hearing for their submission to be considered, but theyare welcome to if they want toshare their views with the panel directly.
Once all hearings conclude, the panel willmake recommendations to the council on where changes could be considered as a result of submissions.
All changes to the Auckland Unitary Plango through a hearings process like this, asit’s required under the Resource Management Act.
Meet the experts overseeing the Plan Change 120 hearings
Sarah Shaw, law:Auckland Council announced theappointment of the panel’s chair, Sarah Shaw,in November.Sarah is a barrister with over 25 years of experience in environmental, resource management, publiclaw and local government law, with a particular focus on district plan preparation.
Panel members
Karyn Sinclair, planning:Karyn is a planner with over 35 years’ experience across a broadrange of areas.She specialises in transport infrastructure, environmental planning, coastal planning and district and regional planning.
Dr Lee Beattie, urban design: Lee is an urban planner and urban designer. He has 30 years’ professional experience in an extensive range of complex urban planning, urban design and environmental matters.
Karyn Kurzeja, planning:Karyn is a planner with over 25 years’ experience in urban and statutory planning, including policy making and plan development.She also has specialistexpertise in land development and large-scale residential and rural subdivision projects, medium density housing developments and greenfield growth projects.
Jack Turner, natural hazards:Jack is a civil engineer and environmental planner with over 20 years’ experience and specialisation in stormwater. Jack also hasexpertise across three-waters, earthworks, erosion and sediment control, and natural hazards.
Vicki Morrison-Shaw, law, cultural values and tikanga Māori: Vickiis an environmental barrister and accredited hearings commissioner with over 20 years’ experience in environmental, resource management and Māori law issues. She is a Te Reo Māori speaker with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi.
Matthew Prasad, spatial and urban strategy: Matthew has over 20 years’ experience inshaping cities,communities and infrastructure with specific expertise in architecture, urban design, developmentadvisory,spatial and urban strategy.
Dr Stuart Donovan, economics:Stuartis aneconomist with20 years’ experience ofworking in New Zealand and Australia. Stuarthasexpertise in urbaneconomics,multi-modal transport planning, and infrastructureandland use policy.
Malcolm McCracken, transport and urban planning: Malcolmis atransport andurbanplanner withexpertise in transport planningandstrategy, policy development, and transport and land-use integration. He has carried out significantadvisory work across local and central government.
MembersKaryn Sinclair,Karyn Kurzeja, Dr LeeBeattie and Jack Turner were appointed by Auckland Council and members Vicki Morrison-Shaw,Matthew Prasad, Dr StuartDonovan and Malcolm McCracken were appointed by theMinisterResponsiblefor RMA Reform(Hon Chris Bishop)and Minister of Conservation (Hon Tama Potaka).
In the interests of making this announcement swiftly before the holiday season, further information about eachpanelist will be published on the council’s website in the new year.
The Waitematā Station Plaza and eastern glasshouse entrance to the station are open, completing the City Rail Link’s first station neighbourhood in the city centre.
This is the first of three above ground renewal programmes being delivered around CRL stations by the Auckland Council group and City Rail Link Limited, in the city centre.
Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, is excited to see another public space open to Aucklanders and visitors to our city.
“After the recent cleaning and refresh of the eastern glasshouse entrance, it’s fantastic that we have now met another important milestone – the completion and opening of the works above ground in this station neighbourhood.”
“This area is functional and stunning, in equal proportion. I’m proud to see it finished, ahead of the historic moment later in the year when CRL is up and running,” he says.
Simon Oddie, Auckland Council Priority Location Director – City Centre, says station neighbourhoods are critical to unlocking the full value of the City Rail Link.
“The City Rail Link is much more than a transport project – it’s a city-shaping investment. Station neighbourhoods are where its benefits are truly realised – places that connect people seamlessly to jobs, learning, culture and daily life, while supporting a more walkable, resilient and low-carbon city centre.”
“Over the past decade, we’ve delivered a coordinated programme of upgrades to prepare the city centre for thousands more people arriving by train, bus, ferry, foot and bike. CRL accelerates that shift, and these station environments are the physical expression of a more connected, people-focused Auckland.”
“By designing the stations and their surrounding streets together, we’re creating places that work harder for Auckland – places that support economic activity, encourage public transport use, and make the city centre easier and more enjoyable to get to and move around.”
Referencing the thinking of American urban economist Edward Glaeser, Oddie says the approach reflects the role cities play at a global scale.
“As Edward Glaeser says, ‘Cities are humanity’s greatest invention.’ To unlock that potential, cities need to be well planned and operate efficiently. These station neighbourhoods are about doing exactly that – using major transport investment to shape better urban outcomes above ground, not just below it,” he says.
Simon Oddie adds that the Waitematā Station neighbourhood has become a highly efficient transport hub which is a greener and more attractive place to spend time in now.
“We have trees for shade and other environmental benefits, better lighting, public art, and spaces that reflect the identity of Tāmaki Makaurau. Our partnerships with mana whenua are central to this work. These environments tell a story about place, culture and connection, and we’re proud of what that represents for Auckland’s future,” he says.
The Auckland Council group has worked for more than ten years alongside City Rail Link Limited, Auckland Transport and the private sector to ensure the stations’ surrounding streets and spaces are enhanced and ready for the influx of people expected to arrive when CRL opens later in 2026.
Walk the station neighbourhood
We’ve created a ten-stop walk, through the first finished station neighbourhood, from Quay Street to the station’s glasshouse entrance which has re-opened after many years of construction:
1. Quay Street + 40-year-old pōhutukawa
Walk among the pōhutukawa planted along Quay Street as part of its transformation from a busy four-lane road into a leafy two-lane street with wide footpaths and a two-way cycleway. Seven of the trees are more than 40-years-old, providing shade, attracting birds, absorbing carbon and reflecting this coastline centuries ago when Māori voyagers first discovered these shores. The trees’ extraordinary journey is on YouTube.
2. Te Wānanga + kina shaped balustrades
Te Wānanga (on the seaward side of Quay Street) is an architectural take on a rocky tidal shelf, with openings like rock pools and steel balustrades like giant kina shells. The organic shape of the space was inspired by the sandstone headlands of the Waitematā Harbour. Walk through a coastal grove of pōhutukawa, with rongoa (medicine) plants and harakeke (flax) in the gardens, species that were here before the city was built.
3. Handrails
Run your fingers over the handrails on the seaward side of Te Wānanga. You’ll see the carving of Reuben Kirkwood (Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki) and the weaving of Tessa Harris (Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki). Both elements are part of the downtown programme’s partnership with mana whenua, ensuring it tells the authentic story of this place.
4. Sea wall
It’s not visible, but it’s important for our resilience as a waterfront city. The downtown upgrade began by strengthening the seawall that Quay Street sits on, protecting the city for the next 100 years from rising sea levels and seismic events. The care and precision the project’s engineers put into the design and construction of this strengthened seawall was extraordinary.
5. WWI beacon
Look along to the Albert Street bus interchange, and you’ll notice an exquisite glass orb and spire have returned to the top of the WWI Memorial Beacon in Quay Street. Built in 1915, the monument symbolised a beacon of hope and the safe return home of our soldiers. It also served as a functioning light guiding ferries to city wharves. In 2022, the council group oversaw the return of the re-made ironwork spire and glass orb. Read the story on OurAuckland.
6. Canopies of Te Ngau o Horotiu
If you’re catching a ferry from the city centre, departing from one of the six outer piers, look up and see the mahi toi of artist Maaka Potini (Ngāti Tamaoho). The design honours our earliest voyagers. These 100 tonne canopies were craned into position at night in 2021. Read more on OurAuckland.
7. Te Komititanga
Breathe in the scale of this magnificent city square. Its name reflects the mixing of people, converging from multiple transport points, and the place where the waters of the Waitematā and Waihorotiu stream merge. Look down and see a whāriki (welcome mat) made from basalt pavers laid in a pattern by artist Tessa Harris and her team of weavers.
8. Restored CPO
The restored, heritage-listed Chief Post Office (CPO), the western entrance to Waitematā Station, was built in the early 1900s. Inside you’ll see a beautiful dome that is fit for a cathedral. Look down and you’ll see the original foundations encased in glass, telling their story. In a complex feat of engineering, the building’s weight was transferred to its new foundations ahead of the construction of the City Rail Link’s twin tunnels below.
9. Galway Street + Tyler Street
Continue along one of two stunning shared spaces: Galway Street or Tyler Street. Once you’ve let yourself be captivated by the area’s urban charm, the smoothed edges of either street will lead you to the final piece in this station neighbourhood, delivered by City Rail Link Limited and the Auckland Council group – Waitematā Station Plaza.
10. Skylid + Waitematā Station Plaza
Waitematā Station Plaza and the station’s striking eastern entrance (the Commerce Street entrance) are open.
Designed in partnership with mana whenua, the Skylid is a central feature. It carries a sand-blasted design depicting the movement of converging waters. Artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) describes his artwork as a map of the historical waterways coming together.
The new plaza, with eight new native trees, sits between two larger squares – Te Komititanga and Takutai Square, already favourite public spaces in this newly finished station neighbourhood.
This ten-stop walk covers just some of the transformational projects delivered around Waitematā Station.
Earlier stories about the area’s renewal, led by both public and private sectors, can be found on the development news page of OurAuckland. Two examples can be read about the city centre’s transformation and a number of significant projects in the past five years.
We reflect on another year of renewal and vibrancy in the city centre.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson welcomes the opportunity at the end of the year to look back and appreciate the visible progress on so many fronts, evident throughout Auckland.
“2025 has been another busy year of renewal in the city centre and wider region. We all know renewal can be disruptive and sometimes an inconvenience, but once completed we can all enjoy the benefits.
“These are 10 examples of that progress. I know Aucklanders and visitors will continue to enjoy these and many more in the years ahead. I’m looking forward to making the most of our wonderful city centre in 2026!” says Councillor Simpson.
Photo credit: Jay Farnworth Auckland Council
1. A trio of spectacles
2025 was a year of spell-binding arts presentations in our public spaces. Delighting crowds, octopus-styled artwork Te Wheke a Muturangi by acclaimed artist Lisa Reihana was seen floating on our waters for the first time in May. The same month, people flooded into historic Strand Arcade to hear the voices of angels in Opera in the Strand. And from July, Whai a captivating light-based artwork by Janine Williams was suspended and intertwined across the Gantry at Silo Park.
2. CRL a catalyst for the region
2025 saw City Rail Link Ltd deliver some major milestones – among them, the first successful test train journey through the CRL tunnel in February, which opened the driver testing and training programme. Within the stations, stunning architectural features were unveiled including the shells of pupurangi, kauri snails, in Mercury Lane; the maramataka, Māori lunar calendar, at Beresford Square; a carved kaitiaki guardian at Wellesley Street; and 53 unique red glass triangles embedded into the basalt waterwall at Maungawhau Station.
Auckland Council’s Principal Transport Advisor George Weeks reflects on how CRL will improve transport connections Auckland-wide, when it opens in the second half of 2026. In a Q&A, Weeks illustrates how Auckland Council’s 50% stake in this major infrastructure project will deliver a significant return across the region, and he describes the practical things that make cities efficient, easy to get around and pleasant to spend time in.
3. Midtown momentum builds
Midtown is getting its mojo back. Te Hā Noa, midtown’s emerging green link, has taken big steps forward this year. Native planting, mature trees, widened footpaths and new seating are in place along Victoria Street from Elliott Street to Queen Street and High Street to Albert Park. The new two-way cycleway along Victoria Street West now connects Victoria Park and the Nelson Street cycleway to Queen Street. The buses are back along Albert Street, Pitt St and Vincent St; construction of the new Wellesley Street bus interchange is progressing well; and wastewater and streetscape upgrades are on schedule for completion before CRL opens in the second half of 2026.
4. Matariki light trail
Celebrating Matariki – a time of reflection and connection, the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter – a two-kilometre reflective light trail traced a path from the original spring in Myers Park, along the re-imagined banks of Te Waihorotiu stream, among symbolic portrayals of birds and plants which once thrived in the Queen Street valley, to the original foreshore of Tāmaki Makaurau. Guided by light, art and sounds created by Māori artists, this modern form of Matariki splendour enhanced Aucklanders’ Matariki experience this year.
5. ‘Take 10’ offers safe haven
Aiming to keep rangatahi and others safe on their nights-out, Auckland Council supported the launch of a new pilot initiative called Take 10. Welcoming spaces in various locations across the city centre were offered on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am in the winter months – July to September. This and other safety initiatives were enabled by the city centre targeted rate.
Photo credit: Jay Farnworth Auckland Council.
6. Waka Moana anchors history
Set along the Daldy Street Linear Park in Wynyard Quarter, new public artwork Waka Moana reminds us of courageous Māori voyagers who sailed across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) centuries ago, before landing on the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau. Part of a wider vision to form a continuous network of green spaces across Auckland’s city centre and waterfront, Waka Moana by artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) features nine six-metre waka-shaped sculptures forming a striking pathway.
Photo credit: David St George
7. 65,000 celebrate Diwali
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. A week-long celebration, culminating in the two-day festival of this time-honoured tradition, was presented by Auckland Council Events supported by the city centre targeted rate. More than 65,000 people attended the festival in Aotea Centre, Queen Street and the surrounding Arts Quarter.
8. World-first wonderland
A star in the festive calendar in 2025, five-metre-tall columns are delivering a parade of interactive colour and neon light along Queen Street. Each column lights up a different form of festive wonder creating a virtual advent calendar experience never seen before in this historic street. Pedestrian counts are positive, with the Christmas Market in Te Komititanga attracting around 10,000 people. These and other festive activations were proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate. Watch the joy on children’s faces.
Photo credit: Matt Hart Auckland Council.
9. Downtown countdown
A new circular structure, appearing to hover above the ground, now sits in front of Waitematā Station’s striking eastern entrance. Once construction is fully complete in February 2026, the glass atrium will open into a new square, Waitematā Station plaza, with the Skylid a central feature. Designed in partnership with mana whenua, the artwork carries a sand-blasted design by celebrated artist Graham Tipene who calls his latest mahi toi a map. “It’s a map of the historical waterways coming together,” he says.
10. Springboard for startups
Driving the region’s commitment to innovation and building a runway to help early-stage businesses achieve success, Auckland Startup Week energised Wynyard Quarter in October. Organised by the Economic Development Office within Auckland Council, the week’s 32 events at 10 city centre venues brought together more than 4000 investors, industry experts, and startup founders at all stages of business development. Watch a highlights video below.
Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter.
Experience a refreshed city centre this summer. With re-configured streets, award-winning public art and Wynyard Quarter’s one-year-old harbour pool, you’ll find new energy and artistry all around.
Newly planted trees are bringing birds, providing shade and absorbing carbon, while the growing visibility of Māori values and histories in art and design continues to enlighten the cityscape.
Make a day of it and discover what’s new since you were here last. Some places have been cherished for a hundred summers. Others are new this summer.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
If you’ve driven past Sylvia Park lately, you’ll have noticed a giant blue-and-yellow newcomer has arrived!
Getting the green light for New Zealand’s first IKEA store at Sylvia Park wasn’t as simple as dropping in some flat-packs and grabbing an Allen key! The construction, now complete, was one of the most technically demanding resource consent processes planners say the city has seen and showcased the breadth of expertise within Auckland Council.
The application was lodged in October 2021 and, although limited notified to adjoining neighbours, IKEA secured written approvals from all parties. As no submissions were received, a hearing was not required, a rarity for a development of this scale.
Still, the technical work involved was substantial. Over 20 specialists contributed to assessments spanning urban design, ecology, transport, cultural effects, economics and stormwater.
The site’s location within the wider Sylvia Park retail precinct required several planning variations to ensure strong pedestrian connections and seamless integration with the existing metropolitan centre especially for people walking between shops, carparks and the train station.
Transport specialists played a significant role, shaping safer pedestrian links, vehicle-access arrangements, and a reconfigured parking layout. Auckland Council’s Transport Engineer Honwin Shen said:
“Our focus was making access intuitive for everyone, people walking from the train station, buses arriving more frequently, and motorists navigating a much busier precinct. The connections had to feel effortless.”
Mana whenua groups were strong partners in the process, providing guidance that influenced site layout, cultural artwork and the naturalisation of a stream corridor. They also delivered cultural inductions for contractors and put in place accidental-discovery protocols for any Māori artefacts encountered during excavation.
Council’s economic specialist Shyamal Maharaj considered how a retailer of IKEA’s international scale might influence nearby centres including Newmarket, Panmure and Botany.
“Our analysis showed that while IKEA draws significant footfall, its product range is sufficiently distinct that it complements rather than erodes the vitality of surrounding centres.”
Recently, Auckland Council’s resource consents team visited the construction site with Naylor Love and Kiwi Property to reflect on how several months of planning work has now materialised on the ground.
Processing planner Oscar Orellana says seeing their work turn into a real, physical project has been especially rewarding.
“Working across so many disciplines—transport, ecology, cultural heritage—really expanded my understanding of what it takes to deliver a major project. Seeing that work reflected in what’s being built on site has been genuinely motivating.”
For the team, IKEA is more than just a big blue box, it’s a reminder of the value of the resource consent system. Careful assessments across environmental, cultural and economic fronts are exactly what give major developments the confidence, and community backing, to go ahead.
IKEA Aotearoa: Key Facts
Location: Sylvia Park, Mount Wellington
Status: completed
Opened: December 2025
Consent lodged: October 2021
Notification: limited-notified to adjoining neighbours including KiwiRail
Submissions received: none (all neighbours provided written approval)
Hearing: Not required
Key considerations: transport, cultural effects, economic impacts, stream naturalisation, urban design, integration with Sylvia Park, contamination, construction impacts
Mana whenua role: site design input, artwork, naturalisation corridor, contractor inductions, accidental-discovery protocols
