Ōpaheke Park: One of Auckland’s largest developments to open

One of Auckland's largest developed parks will soon open in South Auckland, and a new play plan has been adopted to better connect the community with green and public spaces, especially for Pacific people.

Ōpaheke Park in Papakura will officially open to the public on July 17.

The 19-hectare park features vast green fields, 2km of walking paths, 50,000 new plants and trees, wetlands, and a pump track for the kids.

In a statement, Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole said the park was a great example of smart planning.

“It’s a space where families can exercise, play and relax, but also somewhere that helps with flood control," Cathpole said.

The park was cleverly designed to help keep nearby homes at the base of Red Hill safe from flooding.

Ōpaheke Park in Papakura officially opens to the public on 17 July. Photo/Supplied

Instead of rushing through existing drains and flooding streets, Catchpole said Ōpaheke Park played a protective role by holding excess rainwater to help prevent flooding during storms.

It was designed to soak up water during storms and slowly let it flow back into the environment.

Meanwhile, the local board adopted a Play Plan in Manurewa to bring more fun and connection into the neighbourhood.

Local board chair Matt Winiata said the plan wasn't just about building new playgrounds but how play could happen anywhere, for all ages, and for everyone.

He said the plan would help inform the local board about allocating funding for these spaces, but more data on Pacific communities was needed.

“We recognise that there's no play data for our Pacific community, which makes up 38 per cent of the population in Manurewa," Winiata said.

Winiata said they were funding an assessment, in partnership with Community Leisure Management (CLM), which would unlock this data, "so any investment towards play in Manurewa is more strategic than it would be if the current play plan were adopted as it is".

The plan offers some key options for the local board to consider to increase play, accessibility, inclusive, and better funding across the community, including on-site adventurous nature spaces, play at local board events and libraries, street art and expanded beach activation programme.

Partnership funding for rangatahi play projects, rangatahi fun at Manurewa pool, story walks, and play festivals will also be considered.

"It’s important we consider all people in our community and promote equity across all neighbourhoods within the Manurewa Local Board area.”

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