Exciting changes approved for Onehunga’s public spaces

03 May 2024

  • Onehunga
  • Development
  • Urban regeneration
  • Mana Whenua

The transformation of Onehunga’s Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane will soon be underway, following the approval of the concept design by the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board at its 30 April 2024 meeting.

240125 Plaza

Recent public consultation garnered hundreds of constructive comments and supportive feedback, and as a result the local board has given the green light to Eke Panuku to start the creation of new public spaces and improved streetscapes later this year.

24012 NS Link (2)

Features

The approved concept design for the area includes:  

  • a new public plaza
  • green spaces
  • a family play space
  • safer walking connections between Waiapu Precinct and Onehunga Mall, and through to Dress Smart
  • a sense of cultural identity captured in collaboration with artist Graham Tipene

The project’s consultation drew hundreds of pieces of feedback from the community to support and improve the project’s next phase of design. The feedback shared enthusiasm for an upgraded playground to cater to a range of ages and more planting to brighten public spaces. Key community priorities raised included improved walking and cycling infrastructure, safety and lighting and parking provisions were also identified.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Deputy Chair Debbie Burrows is pleased the community is behind the project and that it is moving ahead: 

“Thank you to the community for participating and providing your feedback on the proposed design of the Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane public spaces. A lot of the feedback around the design was well-considered and the local board is happy to approve the finalised plan that will revitalise Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane.”

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Deputy Chair
Debbie Burrows

Attracting investment

This project is one of a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising Onehunga’s central precinct. Eke Panuku will also work with the private sector to attract greater investment in new homes and commercial space to support the town centre's growth and ensure it thrives. 

Priority Location Director Kate Cumberpatch is excited to get the green light and proceed with this project, as part of the wider urban regeneration plan for Onehunga.

"Improved, safer walking connections, creating new public spaces and providing more greenery will add to the future expansion of Dress Smart retail and shopping precinct and a brand new supermarket, to reinvigorate the town centre. With more people living, working and visiting the area, more people and families can enjoy living in Onehunga and support the local economy."

Priority Location Director - North & Isthmus
Kate Cumberpatch

Next steps

With the go-ahead, we will now advance the project to the next stage of detailed design, with exploratory earthworks beginning in May, followed by underground services and drainage works starting in late 2024. The streetscape improvement works, and construction of the play space, are scheduled to commence in 2025. 

The plans for Waiapu Precinct and Paynes Lane form part of broader initiatives by Eke Panuku for Onehunga, aimed at attracting more investment and supporting the growing population and local businesses.

Onehunga is a growing community on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, with an exceptional location 10km from both Auckland’s city centre and Auckland Airport. Committed to celebrating Onehunga’s character, Eke Panuku is working to enhance this neighbourhood on behalf of Auckland Council through an urban regeneration programme.