Let’s get it finished!

The opening of a Te Atatū South section of Te Whau Pathway today is a huge milestone for the project — one that will become a real jewel in the crown for Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. And we’re also underway with the Rizal Crossing in Avondale / New Lynn!

But we’re not done yet. There’s still more pathway to build, and we’d love your support to help keep the momentum going.

When complete, Te Whau Pathway will provide a safe off-road walking and cycling route from the Manukau Harbour to the Waitematā Harbour, giving the community an incredible way to travel, explore nature, and connect with the Whau awa.

How can I help?

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply tell decision-makers why this pathway matters to you.

You can have your say on the Draft 2026/27 Annual Plan by Sunday 29 March:

👉 Annual Plan 2026/2027 | AK Have Your Say

Question 4 is the important one!
Include the header Finish Te Whau Pathway

Then use AI with some of these points – or copy/paste or pick your faves:

• Connecting harbours, connecting communities — from the Waitematā to the Manukau.
• Let’s keep building on what’s already been completed.
• A pathway worth finishing.
• Supports mental and physical wellbeing through access to nature.
• Helps restore the mana of the Whau River.
• Celebrates the historic portage routes used by Māori across Tāmaki Makaurau.
• Improves access to parks and reserves.
• Makes it easier to walk, cycle, and get where we need to go.
• Accessible and inclusive for wheelchair users.
• Will become a destination for locals and visitors.
• Provides access for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

You can also contact people directly, letting them know why the pathway matters to you and why you want to see it finished:

• Email Mayor Wayne Brown
• Email your Councillors
• Email your Local Board members
  • Henderson-Massey Local Board
  • Whau Local Board

Also, don’t forget to tell your friends and family to share! Together we can show just how much our community supports this project.

What’s happening now?

The contractor and Auckland Council’s project management team have done an amazing job getting this section built ahead of schedule and to budget. Cost efficiencies have enabled construction of the Rizal Reserve to Ken Maunder Park Crossing.

A purpose-built machine called Te Kōwhai Nui was even developed to help construct the pathway more efficiently. Keeping construction moving now helps reduce future cost increases and keeps progress going.

The project has already delivered some great benefits for the community:

• Construction has created the equivalent of 50 full-time jobs, many of them local.
• 52 schools and community groups have taken part in environmental activities, with 4,380 students involved.
• 65 events have enabled 703 students to canoe or kayak on the awa.
• 1,250 trees have been planted to help restore the Whau River environment.

Current funding to continue construction and environmental initiatives runs out in August 2026.

That’s why Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust (TWPET) will be asking for funding in Auckland Council’s 2026/27 Annual Plan to keep the pathway moving forward.

And no matter what happens, the Trust will keep working with the community, partners, and Auckland Council to see the pathway finished.

What connections to be funded next?

Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is seeking funding for:

• Building the connection from Horowai / Roberts Field to McLeod Park in Te Atatū South
• Planning the connection from Wingate Street in Avondale to Olympic Park in New Lynn

Why the next connections matter

Horowai / Roberts Field to McLeod Park

This section will provide a safe off-road walking and cycling connection linking to existing pathways in Te Atatū South, improving access to key community destinations including Tirimoana School, the Croatian Cultural Club, Waitemata Football Club, and many other local facilities.

Wingate Street to Olympic Park

This connection will link Avondale and New Lynn, providing safe access to the New Lynn Transport Interchange.