Maungarei Walking and Cycling Connection, Panmure

A new pathway is planned for Panmure to make it safer and easier for people on bikes and pedestrians to get between Maungarei (Mt Wellington) and the town centre.

It will also deliver other significant benefits to the local area.

The pathway will run from the entrance to Maungarei (Mt Wellington) on Mountain Road, along Potaka Lane to Queens Road in Panmure.

Project overview  

The Maungarei Walking and Cycling Connection will use some of the existing road corridor to create a safer route for pedestrians and those on bikes, to link Maungarei to the transport interchange and the main street in Panmure.

Currently, walking and cycling between these two locations is hazardous.

There will be both permanent and temporary improvements:  

• Permanent improvements - from the Maungarei entrance on Mountain Road to Quinlan Street.
• Temporary improvements - from Quinlan Street along Potaka Lane to Queens Road. The Panmure Station precinct will be changing over the next few years. Permanent changes will be delivered as part of improvements to this precinct.

 Other key information

• The design includes 3 raised pedestrian crossings. These will help to reduce the speed of vehicles and create a safer environment.
• The pathway is the start of a walking and cycling link from Maungarei to Te Kōpua Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin). A separate project will extend the pathway from Queens Road, where the Maungarei Walking and Cycling Connection will finish, through to the Panmure Basin. This project is likely to start in 2025.
• This is a collaborative project. We’re working closely with mana whenua, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
• Maungarei Walking and Cycling Connection is part of wider improvements we’re planning for Panmure over the next ten years, on behalf of Auckland Council. [link -https://www.ekepanuku.co.nz/neighbourhoods/panmure/]

Key project benefits

This new pathway is intended to:

• Provide a safer and clearly visible route for pedestrians and those on bikes to and from the town centre and Maungarei, linking to other established or planned walking and cycling routes.
• Improve stormwater infrastructure along the route, including better drainage, and new garden beds.
• Improve the community connection, between Maungarei and the public transport interchange in the town centre.
• Help make the most of Maungarei as a significant natural and cultural local landmark though improved design.
• Provide environmental improvements, including the protection of 30 existing trees and 30 new trees, to enhance local wildlife, biodiversity and mauri (life force), increase tree canopy cover, and beautify the route.
• Provide improved recreational and accessibility opportunities within Panmure for visitors and residents, both now and into the future, particularly as the local population grows.

Timing

• September 2023 - The concept design was approved by Auckland Transport, and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.
• July 2024 – Design finalised, following further engagement with stakeholders.
• July 2025 - Construction is expected to start. This has been delayed due to recent budget reprioritisation.
• April 2026 – Construction is expected to be completed.

Construction

Construction will be staged, and a traffic management plan will be implemented. Once a contractor has been appointed, further information will be made available.

We do not expect the roads to be closed during construction.