Agenda of Parks Committee - Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Parks Committee

19 August 2025

Draft Regional Parks Annual Report 2024/2025

File No.: CP2025/15327

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To present the Draft Regional Parks Annual Report 2024/2025 to the Parks Committee.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Regional Parks Management Plan 2022 (RPMP) sets out the strategic vision for Regional Parks over the next ten years.

3. The Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025, presented to the Parks Committee in October 2024, outlined the programmes and projects that were to be delivered in that financial year.

4. The Draft Regional Parks Annual Report 2024/2025 (Attachment A) summarises the activities undertaken and highlights achievements against the six key focus areas set out in the management plan:

· supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

· protecting biodiversity

· adapting to climate change

· mitigating climate change

· adding value to the visitor experience

· collaborating with others to achieve outcomes.

5. The Regional Parks Annual Report will be made available on council’s website for the public and key stakeholders to view. Local boards will be notified the report is available and a link provided.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Parks Committee:

a) whiwhi / receive the Draft Regional Parks Annual Report 2024 / 2025 (Attachment A to this agenda report).

b) tuhi tīpoka / note that no significant changes to information will be made to the draft annual report, however editorial and minor changes will be made prior to the final Regional Parks Annual Report 2024 / 2025 being published.

Horopaki

Context

6. The Regional Parks Management Plan 2022 (RPMP) sets out the strategic vision for regional parks over the next ten years. An annual Implementation Plan is prepared to give effect to the vision by providing direction on the priorities for delivery and timing.

7. The Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 was presented to the Parks Committee in October 2024. This plan outlined the programmes and projects that were planned to be delivered in financial year 2024/2025.

8. Quarterly update reports on progress were provided to the Parks Committee in December 2024 and April 2025.

9. An annual report is prepared at the end of each financial year, summarising progress and achievements in delivering on the RPMP focus areas and outcomes.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

10. The draft 2024/2025 Annual Report provides details on the following topics:

· partnering with mana whenua

· threatened species protection and management

· revegetation planting and implementation of the Ngahere Strategy

· developing fire response plans

· farming operations

· track management and visitor facilities upgrades

· events and activities delivered at the Arataki Visitor Centre,

· events on regional parks and filming

· accommodation use and occupancy

· supporting our volunteers

· capex delivery

· asset management

· increasing visitor numbers and incidents

· awards and recognition.

Key insights

11. Some key insights over the past year are listed below.

Topic	Commentary
Visitor numbers	Increased from 7.3 million in 2023/2024 to 7.8 million in 2024/2025, a 6 per cent increase overall. The western parks saw a 21 per cent increase in visitors, following the successful reopening of tracks in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Parks.
Incidents	A total of 2793 incidents were recorded on regional parks. These included dogs, vehicle-related incidents, unauthorised activity and fires.
Accommodation	Most popular campgrounds based on bookings were Tāwharanui, Schischka (Wenderholm), Shakespear, Whakanewha and Mahurangi West. Most popular baches based on bookings were Schischka House (Wenderholm), Te Whetuki / Duder, Moonlight and Coldham at Scandrett, Courtyard House (Ātiu Creek).
Green Flag Awards	Ātiu Creek Regional Park, Ōmana Regional Park, Arataki Visitor Centre and Hūnua Ranges Regional Park (western section of the park) received awards for the first time from Recreation Aotearoa in October 2024.
Arataki Visitor Centre	The centre held over 30 public workshops and events, such as the Friends of Arataki Kids Day in October 2024 that attracted 1800 people. Two key events to celebrate Matariki held in June 2025 were attended by 1300 people. Arataki Visitor Centre won the Nikau Award category in the Eco Matters Love Your Place Awards 2024.
Threatened species management	Notable events were the translocation of 20 kiwi from Tāwharanui Regional Park to Mt Tamahunga and the addition of 40 Hihi and 30 Tieke to Shakespear open sanctuary to supplement existing populations. The translocation of 20 Kokāko from the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in June 2025 was the first time Hūnua Ranges Regional Park has contributed birds to another recovery project.
Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges Kauri Population Health Monitoring Survey	Results from the survey published in January 2025 confirmed Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges are still free from kauri dieback disease.
Farming operations	The team received the Champion Hogget Best Overall Award at the Clevedon A&P show in November 2024. They also achieved impressive lamb weights last season, averaging 19.7kg which exceeded the national average of 19.2kg. A series of workshops involving farming staff and experts from the farming industry began in December 2024, sharing knowledge on animal health issues and prevention, future market trends, animal genetics, industry benchmarking and best practice. A trial introduction of new sheep genetics to produce low emission animals is planned for 2026.
Track management	A series of tracks were progressively reopened across the parks network. Examples include Fairy Falls, Lake Wainamu access, Muriwai gannet colony access, Fishermans Track at Tāwharanui, Wairoa-Cossey Track in the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park and replacement of the Hūnua Falls bridge.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

12. A Regional Parks Fire Risk Reduction Network Plan was completed in February 2025, in preparation to respond to the heightened risk of fire occurring as a result of rising temperatures due to climate change. A total of 37 individual park-specific fire response plans and maps have also been completed.

13. Separate guidelines have also been prepared on providing shade and shelter for stock, which will be implemented over the coming year.

14. The Regional Parks Revegetation Programme saw 150,000 trees planted during the 2024/2025 planting season contributing to climate mitigation.

15. The Ngahere programme, aims to convert 200 hectares of retired farmland into native forests, serving the dual purpose of protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions by lowering stock numbers while also creating carbon sinks.

16. In 2024/2025, the Ngahere programme saw 262,000 trees planted across 70 hectares at Atiu Creek, Te Arai, Pakiri, Tāwharanui, Shakespear, and Long Bay regional parks. These initiatives highlight a commitment to nature-based climate solutions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

17. Implementation of the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022 requires a collective approach to delivering the plan’s intentions, across both the Parks and Community Facilities department and the wider council organisation.

18. Regional Parks staff regularly liaise with teams across council that deliver services to support the ongoing management of regional parks, such as the Healthy Waters, Auckland Transport, Area Operations, Asset Management and Visitor Services teams. A copy of the Regional Parks Annual Report will be made available to these groups.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe

Local impacts and local board views

19. The Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 was circulated to all local boards in December 2024.

20. Staff have periodically met with local board members over the past year to discuss issues or provide updates on specific projects, as requested. A copy of the Annual Report 2024/2025 will be made available to all local boards.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

21. Regional Parks is committed to strengthening partnerships and engaging with mana whenua on opportunities for greater involvement in supporting park outcomes. Engagement can be project-based and park-specific, relating to proposed development or specific activities such as threatened species releases.

22. The Hūnua Project forum, focused on animal pest control, was set up in February 2025 to partner with mana whenua on the planned pest management operation in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges. The pest operation is scheduled to be delivered between August and October 2025.

23. Regional Parks kaimahi have been contributing to the work to progress a Deed of Acknowledgment as required under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

24. Regional Parks kaimahi continue to work with Te Kawerau ā Maki on managing the track reopening programme in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

25. The Regional Parks work programme delivered during financial year 2024/2025 was within the allocated operating budget.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

26. The Draft Regional Parks Annual Report is a summary of the work completed on regional parks during financial year 2024/2025. No significant risks have been identified that are associated with the publication of this report.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

27. The Regional Parks Annual Report 2024/2025 will be made available on the council website for the public and key stakeholders to view once it is finalised.

28. Local boards will be notified that the report is available on the council’s website and a link to the site provided.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇨	Draft Regional Parks Annual Report 2024-2025
b ⇨	Implementation Plan 2025-2026 and Annual Reports, presentation

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Scott de Silva – Manager, Regional Parks

Authorisers

Rachel Kelleher - Director Community

Taryn Crewe - General Manager Parks and Community Facilities

Parks Committee

19 August 2025

Draft Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026

File No.: CP2025/15326

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To present the draft Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Regional Parks Management Plan 2022 (RPMP) sets out the strategic vision for Regional Parks over the next 10 years. The annual Implementation Plan gives effect to the 10-year vision by providing direction on the priority projects for delivery and timing. Detailed work programmes with associated budgets can then be developed and reported against.

3. The draft Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026 (Attachment A) includes a mix of ongoing ‘business as usual’ programmes and specific projects to deliver against the six focus areas set out in the RPMP:

· supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

· protecting biodiversity

· adapting to climate change

· mitigating climate change

· adding value to the visitor experience

· collaborating with others to achieve outcomes.

4. Development of a recreation plan for the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is a priority project in the RPMP. This work will include a review of the track network and consider opportunities for providing additional recreation activities, accommodation and new visitor services within the regional park.

5. The capital work programme for financial year 2025/2026 reflects the Regional Parks projects included in the Regional Work Programme approved by the Community Committee in July 2025 (Resolution no. CCCC/2025/39).

6. Staff will make a copy of the 2025/2026 Implementation Plan available to local boards and key stakeholders in September 2025.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Parks Committee:

a) ohia / endorse the draft Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026 (Attachment A to this agenda report).

b) tuhi tīpoka / note no significant changes to information will be made to the draft Implementation Plan, however editorial and minor changes will be made prior to the final Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026 being published.

Horopaki

Context

7. The Regional Parks Management Plan (RPMP) was adopted by the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee in September 2022. The RPMP outlines the vision, values, objectives, policies and desired outcomes for managing the Regional Parks network in Tāmaki Makaurau over the next 10 years.

8. The preparation of an annual Implementation Plan was signalled in the RPMP as a mechanism to prioritise delivery of the approved work programme, including priorities for capital expenditure.

9. The six focus areas within the RPMP drive the development of the annual work programme, as reflected in the Implementation Plan. These are:

· supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

· protecting biodiversity

· adapting to climate change

· mitigating climate change

· adding value to the visitor experience

· collaborating with others to achieve outcomes.

10. The Implementation Plan is not a consultation document. Its purpose is to outline the intended work programme to be delivered in financial year 2025/2026, to achieve the outcomes of the RPMP.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Programmes and projects to be delivered

11. The Implementation Plan outlines the programmes and projects to be delivered under each focus area. The overall work programme includes a mix of ongoing ‘business as usual’ programmes and new projects to support specific actions identified in the RPMP.

12. The priority projects in the work programme for 2025/2026 are:

· strengthening our relationship with mana whenua to confirm their priorities for involvement in park management

· progressing the development of a recreation plan for the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

· planning for the future development of park land at Te Ārai South

· delivering the capital works programme funded for the 2025/2026 financial year

· embedding the 5 Year Farming Strategy to enhance the farming operation

· implementing the outcomes of the commercial operator’s framework review

· completing a strategic operational plan for the open sanctuaries for 2025/2026

· improving the management of park assets and the delivery of visitor services

· continuing to work collaboratively with our key stakeholders and partners to increase the quality of visitor experiences on regional parks.

13. The capital works programme for 2025/2026 was approved by the Community Committee on 29 July 2025 (Resolution CCCCC/2025/39) and is presented in section 4 of the Implementation Plan. Progress on delivery against this programme will be reported on a quarterly basis.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Summary of work planned under each focus area

14. The following is a summary of the work detailed in Attachment A to this agenda report:

Focus area	Initiatives
Focus Area 1 Supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi	The plan includes a new initiative to work with the Mana Whenua Forum and confirm how each iwi would like to be involved in supporting the management of regional parks. Engagement on this kaupapa will begin in August 2025. Another new project in this area is to identify and prioritise the protection of key regional sites of significance, in partnership with mana whenua. Stage 1 will be to identify and confirm the sites, while Stage 2 will involve prioritising the sites for protection, ensuring any proposed works are captured in a future capex programme.
Focus Area 2 Protecting biodiversity	Continuing the work being undertaken in the open sanctuaries to enhance existing populations of threatened species, such as hihi / stitchbird, wētāpunga and kiwi. Delivery of the parks integrated site management pest plant and animal control projects funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) will also continue. Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges aerial operation targeting rats and possums is scheduled to be undertaken between August and October 2025.
Focus Area 3 Adapting to climate change	Staff will continue to work with the Coastal Management team to prioritise high-risk coastal erosion sites and determine the appropriate management response. In preparation for an increased fire risk, a Regional Parks Fire Response Plan was completed in 2024, followed by 37 individual park-specific fire response plans completed in June 2025. These will be reviewed again prior to the next summer season.
Focus Area 4 Mitigating climate change	Includes ongoing work implementing the Ngahere Strategy, by retiring pasture and replanting native forest. In 2025/2026 a total of 94ha is planned to be retired and 861,181 trees planted. Several actions are planned to support the farming operation, including introducing new sheep genetics to produce low-emitting animals, and implementing the shade and shelter guidelines to improve animal welfare.
Focus area 5 Adding value to the visitor experience	This includes a range of actions such as reviewing the recreational activities we provide on parks, our accommodation offering, disability access both to and within parks, and reviewing the commercial operator’s framework. Arataki Visitor Centre will continue to deliver a comprehensive programme of workshops, school holiday activities and activation events for park visitors, community groups and the public. The focus in 2025/2026 will be on developing new attractions, events and experiences to increase Arataki’s visibility and prominence.
Focus area 6 Collaborating with others	We will continue to support our partners and the enormous contribution made by volunteers to help manage our regional parks. We will continue to provide training to develop volunteer skills and capacity and build on our current collaboration, by renewing existing agreements with community and environmental groups. We will also focus on creating opportunities to develop effective partnerships with community and business organisations.

Focus area

Initiatives

Focus Area 1

Supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The plan includes a new initiative to work with the Mana Whenua Forum and confirm how each iwi would like to be involved in supporting the management of regional parks.

Engagement on this kaupapa will begin in August 2025.

Another new project in this area is to identify and prioritise the protection of key regional sites of significance, in partnership with mana whenua. Stage 1 will be to identify and confirm the sites, while Stage 2 will involve prioritising the sites for protection, ensuring any proposed works are captured in a future capex programme.

Focus Area 2

Protecting biodiversity

Continuing the work being undertaken in the open sanctuaries to enhance existing populations of threatened species, such as hihi / stitchbird, wētāpunga and kiwi.

Delivery of the parks integrated site management pest plant and animal control projects funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) will also continue.

Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges aerial operation targeting rats and possums is scheduled to be undertaken between August and October 2025.

Focus Area 3

Adapting to climate change

Staff will continue to work with the Coastal Management team to prioritise high-risk coastal erosion sites and determine the appropriate management response.

In preparation for an increased fire risk, a Regional Parks Fire Response Plan was completed in 2024, followed by 37 individual park-specific fire response plans completed in June 2025. These will be reviewed again prior to the next summer season.

Focus Area 4

Mitigating climate change

Includes ongoing work implementing the Ngahere Strategy, by retiring pasture and replanting native forest. In 2025/2026 a total of 94ha is planned to be retired and 861,181 trees planted.

Several actions are planned to support the farming operation, including introducing new sheep genetics to produce low-emitting animals, and implementing the shade and shelter guidelines to improve animal welfare.

Focus area 5

Adding value to the visitor experience

This includes a range of actions such as reviewing the recreational activities we provide on parks, our accommodation offering, disability access both to and within parks, and reviewing the commercial operator’s framework.

Arataki Visitor Centre will continue to deliver a comprehensive programme of workshops, school holiday activities and activation events for park visitors, community groups and the public. The focus in 2025/2026 will be on developing new attractions, events and experiences to increase Arataki’s visibility and prominence.

Focus area 6

Collaborating with others

We will continue to support our partners and the enormous contribution made by volunteers to help manage our regional parks.

We will continue to provide training to develop volunteer skills and capacity and build on our current collaboration, by renewing existing agreements with community and environmental groups.

We will also focus on creating opportunities to develop effective partnerships with community and business organisations.

Recreation Plan for Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

15. Developing a recreation plan for the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is a priority project in the RPMP. This work will include a review of the track network and consider opportunities for providing additional recreation activities, accommodation and new visitor services within the regional park.

16. The plan will need to identify the best approach to managing increasing visitor demand, through the provision of adequate park infrastructure and visitor facilities, such as car parks and toilets, while reducing the potential impacts on surrounding local communities.

17. Following the impact of cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 and subsequent work associated with repairing the track network, the development of the recreation plan provides an opportunity to review and re-set the track network. This also enables options to improve visitor safety, provide better connections to other greenways, consider creating a multi-day track, while developing a more cohesive overall track network.

18. A key focus for the development of the recreation plan will be working in partnership with Te Kawerau ā Maki and engaging with the community. An external Advisory Group, consisting of key stakeholders and representatives from the local community and interest groups, will be established. This group will work alongside staff to identify issues and opportunities that will contribute to the content of both these plans which will be consulted on.

Climate impact statement

19. Climate change can have an adverse impact on regional parks. Increased temperatures during the peak summer season can cause drought and heightened fire risk.

20. Coastal erosion and inundation, due to storm events and sea level rise, can adversely affect park land and built infrastructure, including visitor amenities, recreational spaces and high value conservation areas.

21. The actions identified under Focus Areas 3 and 4 reflect our intention to adopt the appropriate management response for both adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. These initiatives include planting, emissions reduction initiatives and operational response plans.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

22. Implementing the policies and objectives of the RPMP requires a collective approach to delivering the plan’s intentions, across both the Parks and Community Facilities department and the broader council family.

23. Regional Parks staff will continue to liaise with teams across council that deliver services to support the ongoing management of regional parks, such as the Area Operations, Asset Management and Visitor Services teams.

24. One area where Regional Parks requires additional support is cultural heritage conservation. Staff plan to meet with council’s Heritage team to investigate whether they have capacity to begin to support this work, or alternatively provide advice on developing a programme to outsource it.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe

Local impacts and local board views

25. Local boards were actively involved in providing feedback during the development of the RPMP. A copy of the Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 was provided to all local boards. Franklin was the only local board to request more information on actions in the plan.

26. Regional Parks staff continue to provide briefings and updates to local boards on specific projects, for example the current track re-opening plan for the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, as requested.

27. A link to the Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2025/2026 will be made available to local boards.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

28. Regional Parks is committed to strengthening partnerships and engaging with mana whenua. To establish relationships, Regional Parks staff will meet with the Mana Whenua Forum in August 2025 to discuss and confirm how each iwi would like to be involved in supporting the management of regional parks.

29. A separate new project is included in the financial year 2025/2026 work programme, to partner with mana whenua to identify and confirm the key regional sites of cultural significance based on current information held by council. The intention is to then develop a programme to prioritise sites for protection and inclusion in future capex work programmes.

30. Regional Parks staff will also continue to engage with mana whenua on a project-specific basis, which has been effective to date.

31. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 established the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA), with the aim of protecting and enhancing its heritage features. The Act provides for the Crown or Auckland Council, and tangata whenua (being Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua), to enter into a Deed of Acknowledgement. The Deed will:

· acknowledge the particular historical, traditional, cultural, or spiritual relationship of tangata whenua with any land in the WRHA; and

· identify opportunities for tangata whenua to contribute to the management of that land.

32. Progress is being made in progressing a Deed of Acknowledgement with Te Kawerau ā Maki under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. Public consultation on the principles of the Deed was undertaken in March/April 2025, with analysis of the feedback complete and being considered by the Policy and Planning Committee in August 2025.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

33. The Regional Parks CAPEX renewal and development budget for activities such as track renewals, repairs and upgrades is allocated through the Regional Work Programme. The capital works programme for 2025/2026 was endorsed by the Parks Committee on 29 April 2025 and was approved by the Community Committee on 29 July 2025 (Resolution CCCCC/2025/39).

34. The Waitakere Ranges Recreation Plan will guide future requirements for delivering recreation outcomes across the park. Where this requires additional investment, funding options could include:

· allocate funding via existing funding through the Regional Work Programme

· increased funding via the next Long-term Plan (LTP)

· third-party funding opportunities.

Horopaki

Context

35. The Regional Parks Management Plan (RPMP) was adopted by the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee in September 2022. The RPMP outlines the vision, values, objectives, policies and desired outcomes for managing the Regional Parks network in Tāmaki Makaurau over the next 10 years.

36. The preparation of an annual Implementation Plan was signalled in the RPMP as a mechanism to prioritise delivery of the approved work programme, including priorities for capital expenditure.

37. The six focus areas within the RPMP drive the development of the annual work programme, as reflected in the Implementation Plan. These are:

· supporting council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

· protecting biodiversity

· adapting to climate change

· mitigating climate change

· adding value to the visitor experience

· collaborating with others to achieve outcomes.

38. The Implementation Plan is not a consultation document. Its purpose is to outline the intended work programme to be delivered in financial year 2025/2026, to achieve the outcomes of the RPMP.

Programmes and projects to be delivered

39. The Implementation Plan outlines the programmes and projects to be delivered under each focus area. The overall work programme includes a mix of ongoing ‘business as usual’ programmes and new projects to support specific actions identified in the RPMP.

40. The priority projects in the work programme for 2025/2026 are: