Old Papatoetoe’s ‘exciting’ revamp almost complete

Old Papatoetoe’s makeover is taking shape with new homes, green spaces, and a new laneway under development.

Eke Panuku - Auckland Council's development arm - is redeveloping the South Auckland suburb, aiming to bring new life to the area.

Local Democracy Reporting recently visited the area after reporting on the changes in October 2024.

Deputy chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and resident Vi Hausia said he is excited about the project being almost complete.

"Exciting changes are underway in Old Papatoetoe. This is something we’ve worked towards for years, and now we’re only months away from enjoying the new facilities and open spaces."

Although locals have told LDR they welcome the changes, the project has disrupted the streets.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia spoke about a new road extension being created to Cambridge Terrace.

"There'll be a new road there, directly linking up to the car park where New World is, and a proper road will come. At the moment, it's just car-park grade, but a proper street will be created to link into Wallace Road."

Regarding the new housing developments, Apulu says Auckland has not grown upwards for a long time.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia and deputy chair Vi Hausia are excited about the changes as Old Papatoetoe’s redevelopment nears completion. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata

"It's grown outwards - urban sprawl. And so, a lot of people are used to living on quarter-acre or slightly smaller single-level residential housing."

But the council needed to build up, as the city was bursting at the seams, he says.

The city's rapid population growth overwhelmed Auckland Council's infrastructure, with more people living further away requiring additional pipes, waste, and sewage systems - all of which cost money, he says.

"But ... if we can build upwards, that means more people can live closer to the city and near our public transport routes.

"So, Unlocked Papatoetoe is right on the train track routes, [with] Papatoetoe train station there. And so, it is a prime place to encourage more intensification."

Intensification will bring some challenges, but it will also bring many positives, he says.

"There's going to be bad things that come with intensification, but there's going to be a lot of positives."

The upgraded laneway is now more open, greener, and welcoming. Photo/Auckland Council

Chambers Laneway upgrade

Located next to the Papatoetoe Chambers building, the upgraded laneway runs from the Civic Plaza on St George Street to the Wallace Road car park and Piko Toetoe development.

The project is mostly complete and open to the public. Final touches are underway, including painting a new Mana Whenua-designed mural and the final planting planned for autumn.

Cambridge Terrace extension (off Puhinui Road)

The Cambridge Terrace extension is under construction and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. This project will connect Cambridge Terrace to Stadium Lane and Wallace Road, improving access for vehicles and pedestrians to the Allan Brewster Leisure Centre and Stadium Reserve.

Wider footpaths, safe crossing points, and a separated cycle lane coming to Cambridge Terrace. Photo/Auckland Council

The plans include wider footpaths, safe crossing points, a separated cycle lane, and a low-speed street design, aiming to improve access and encourage increased use of Stadium Reserve.

Stadium Reserve (just off Tavern Lane, behind New World Papatoetoe)

Construction on the Stadium Reserve upgrade began in February and is expected to be completed later this year.

This project will bring a new park to Papatoetoe, featuring a playground, expanded green spaces, and a dedicated kick-a-ball area.

This is an artist’s impression of what the Stadium Reserve playground will look like when it’s finished. Photo/Auckland Council

The Piko Toetoe development

Alongside these public projects, private developments are adding more homes to the area, particularly with the Piko Toetoe development on Tavern Lane.

The project will feature a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom terraced homes and a pathway connecting the main street and Stadium Reserve.

Construction is expected to take approximately 17 months, with public laneways set to open by mid-2026.

Two-, three-, and four-bedroom terraced homes are included in the development. Photo / Auckland Council

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.