The pathway has been paused. Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust has created this page to make it super easy for you to tell Auckland Council and the Government why Te Whau Pathway is vital for our community and why we want it built. Let’s Restart the Project now.
On this page
- How to make a submission to Auckland Council’s Annual Budget
Due Tuesday 28 March 2023 - Background reading – how did we get in this situation?
- Update from Auckland Council, 1 March 2023
How to make a submission to Auckland Council’s Annual Budget, Tuesday 28 March 2023
What is the Annual Budget?
The Annual Budget sets out where the Council plans to spend money in the coming year and how much. It is required by law to consult on the Annual Budget. This year consultation closes at 11pm on 28 March 2023. So you must make a submission by then.
How to make a submission (for those in a rush)
- Go to the Auckland Council website
> Annual Budget 2023/2024 - Answer Question 7 (the other six questions are optional). Question 7 asks “What else is important to you?” We suggest: Getting Te Whau Pathway built
- Add a reason or reasons for your response. Here’s some ideas –
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 the 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. - Don’t forget to submit your form!
- Join our mailing list to be informed or follow us on our socials.
Background reading
More about the project
The Government has provided $35.3 million to build 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.
The first stages are between the Northwestern cycleway and Roberts Field in Te Atatū and a bridge connecting Avondale to Kelston. This is what Government money was granted for. However increased construction costs means that we need the Council to allocate an extra amount in its Annual Budget, to keep this vital project going. It will do this if it hears loud and clear that the community wants this path.
More about Auckland Council’s Annual Budget
For those with a bit more time on their hands.
> Read the Auckland Budget summary 
Update from Auckland Council, 1 March 2023
“On 23 February 2023, Auckland Council staff presented a report on Te Whau Pathway Project at the Governing Body meeting, seeking further direction due to a funding shortfall.
The Governing Body directed that the project continues to be paused for up to six months. This is to allow time for Council staff and Project partners to investigate additional funding options, alternative design options and to review design specifications.“
