A recent report to the Auckland Estate Committee celebrates the successes of the Pukekawa/Auckland Estate over the past three years, revealing the most significant results the Auckland Council has achieved for the estate.
Councilor Desley Simpson, chairman of the Auckland Estates Committee, is proud of what the council has achieved for the estate, despite the challenges faced during this time.
“Pukekawa/Auckland Domain is a much-loved park with a rich history that is still thriving and well used today.
“It is great to see and share what Auckland Council has achieved for The Estate and elevate the highlights over the past three years – despite the obstacles faced,” says Cr Simpson.
Auckland Domain is Tāmaki Makaurau’s oldest park and one of our most popular and widely used parks. Widely used by visitors and locals alike, the Estate is a destination for sports, picnics, walks and more. The park has played a special role over the past three years, allowing Aucklanders to meet up with friends and whānau outdoors, as well as enjoy sports and recreation during COVID restrictions.
International awards
Auckland Domain has received two Green Flag Awards in 2020 and 2021/22, an international benchmark standard for recreational outdoor spaces. The criteria for these awards include quality of services, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability. In 2021/22, the estate was one of 24 parks in Aotearoa to receive the award.
The Winter Gardens have twice received a five-star rating as a Garden of Importance in the past three years. The New Zealand Gardens Trust noted in particular, “the continued achievement and high quality of the perennial border on the north side of the building – one of Auckland’s gems”.
Accessibility improvements
Auckland Council has also made essential improvements to accessibility in the Auckland Domain so that more people can enjoy the park. This includes completing planning to provide new path connections, restricting long-term parking through the Titoki Street car park trial gates, setting up paid parking at Grafton Mews and l improving pedestrian safety.
Improvement of winter gardens
The buildings and range of plants in the conservatories are of high quality and are an asset to Tāmaki Makaurau. The upgrade is underway with the Winter Gardens partially reopened, welcoming visitors to the Temperate House, Courtyard and Fern.
Additional Highlights:
- Installation of eight new concrete cricket wickets.
- The renewal of the Japanese bridge.
- Installation of two disabled parking spaces and companion seats at the winter gardens.
- Rehousing of 20 geese in a farm in the port of Kaipara to improve the cleanliness of the duck ponds.
- About twenty regular volunteers monitor the Domaine’s pest trapping grounds.
