What’s happening?
Last year the project was paused due to a funding shortfall. In late 2023, thanks to your support, the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council came up with a funding agreement that enabled the project to be restarted.
This means that a section from the Northwestern Cycleway (SH16) to Roberts Field is being built and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. View the Current Construction Zone Map.
With construction underway and the contractor established onsite, we can continue building the pathway more cost-effectively. Any savings achieved can be applied to other sections of the pathway. However, additional funding is still needed to continue the build after 2026.
That is why Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust (TWPET) has made a submission to Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) to fund the next stages of the pathway.
Which sections next?
Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust has requested Auckland Council to prioritise funding for the following sections.
~ The Avondale-Kelston Connection ~
Route: Wingate Street to Rizal Reserve to Ken Maunder Park
These communities lie within the Whau Local Board area.
~ The McLeod Park Connection ~
Route: Roberts Field to McLeod Park, Te Atatū South
This community lies within the Henderson-Massey Local Board area.
What can you do?
Let everyone – from your friends and whānau to the Mayor and Auckland Councillors – know how much you want this pathway and why the pathway should be a priority by Sunday 12th May.
The funding required in the LTP to build these sections is estimated to be $7.5 million for the year 2026/27 and $13.5 million for the year 2027/28. However, less funding may be required if there are cost savings in the section under construction.
Let’s rally together to ensure that Auckland Council includes funding for this crucial project in its Long-Term Plan. It’s important to make our collective voice heard, showing the Council just how much we the community value this outdoor space.
Why these sections are a priority
They will provide safe off-road walking and cycling by connecting to existing sections in Avondale, Kelston, and Te Atatū South.
Tony Miguel, Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust, notes an important point.
“These sections can be built at a lower cost now by continuing the construction programme, as opposed to deferring to later years.”
Connect existing pathways Te Whau Pathway will connect the Waterview, and Avondale to New Lynn Shared Pathway, the Northwestern cycleway (SH16), the New Lynn Transport Interchange and Te Atatū Bus Interchange.
Provide no-carbon transport for 113,150 cyclists and 226,300 pedestrians annually and generate 164,250 annual cycle trips – an increase of 5% across Auckland’s cycling network.
Offer safe off-road links, particularly for the 18,000 students attending 38 schools in the Whau Catchment Area.
Open up parks 33 under-used (and often unknown) local parks and reserves will be connected through the pathway
Build it so it lasts, for our children and grandchildren. We want a legacy for West Auckland and for Greater Auckland. Short-term solutions are just that – and ultimately end up costing more in the long run.
Directly benefit a diverse community of 92,000 Aucklanders
Create jobs 80 during construction and 10 jobs post-construction in bike services and tourism
Build it and they will come! Experience proves that everywhere shared paths are built they are immediately used and communities benefit.
Attract tourists This pathway gives unique wetlands setting and double harbours access to this unique and beautiful area will attract tourists – similar to the new bike harbour pathways Dunedin and New Plymouth and the Waikato cycleway.
Improve physical health of Aucklanders It will provide healthy exercise and recreation options for walkers, cyclist, wheelchair users and parents with push chairs, as well as, for water sports
Improve mental health of Aucklanders Access to water and recreation is good for the mind and soul!
Environmental and water quality improvements Contribute to improved water quality – so one day we can bring back safe swimming and fishing!
Cultural Connecting communities via a waterway rather than by road; providing events, competitions, arts and getting on the water.
Background information
The New Zealand Government has provided $49 million and Auckland Council has provided $4 million to build the current section. This will contribute to building a walking and cycling path from Te Atatū South to New Lynn, along the banks of the Whau. It will open up one of the most beautiful parts of Auckland, for recreation, commuting by bike or foot and linking the homes and businesses of over 100,000 people. It will also link 38 schools and provide an alternative, safe, off-road way to get to and from school.
Prior to the current funding provided by the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council, nearly $9.0 million had been invested in Te Whau Pathway:
- Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust (TTCF funded), $2.02 million
- Auckland Transport, $1.35 million
- Auckland Council, Henderson-Massey and Whau Local Boards, $5.63 million
This was an update from Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust who is working hard to make sure that the next sections of the pathway get funding. Thank you to those who continue to support this project and see it as a priority for West Auckland!
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.
(With your food basket and my food basket, people will thrive.)
