Te Hauauru Park Maki Street, Whenuapai, Auckland 0814

Welcome to Te Hauauru Park, a beautiful establishment located in Auckland, New Zealand. As the city's population continues to grow, we are proud to be a part of the expansion in Westgate, a center designed to serve the growing residential community in the west. Our park, along with Kopupaka Park, the World Architecture Festival winning project, forms the green heart of this vibrant township.

Te Hauauru Reserve is a stunning integrated green space that takes inspiration from its surroundings. Situated within the network of upper Waitematā inlets and streams, as well as the history of the kauri forests that once covered the area, our park is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with nature.

The site plan of Te Hauauru Reserve reveals the organization of sub-spaces within the park. From the small amenity building at the entry plaza, visitors are welcomed into enclosed lawns, a promenade, orchards, and water-based play areas. The lawns, each with their own unique characteristics, are perfect for various activities and are bordered by sculptural and functional seating edges. Whether you're looking for a large gathering space or a more intimate setting for a picnic, our lawns cater to all your needs. Additionally, the large northern lawn is ideal for concerts and markets, making it a hub of community activity. All the lawns are strategically oriented to capture the sun while providing shade through the new stands of trees.

Collaborating with local iwi, the park's concrete seating edges and paved pathways were designed to resemble stream banks, with gaps between the walls acting as 'inlets' to allow the flow of people. Adorned with motifs of traditional tools and local shellfish, these elements tell a rich story about the area. The tree-lined Maki Street promenade continues this narrative, with seashells from the Waitematā visible in the exposed aggregate. It seamlessly connects the park to the main street, accommodating events and providing resting options for visitors.

As you explore the park, you'll notice a network of pedestrian paths that lead to shallow pools where water from clusters of jets laps over the pavement surface. The form, pattern, and text inlay etched into the pools pay homage to the history of kauri in the area and raise awareness about the endangered future of these magnificent trees. These details remind us to be mindful of our surroundings as we walk through the park.

Our amenity building is a sculpted masterpiece that harmonizes with the landscape. Featuring laser-cut representations of manuaute (Māori kites) on its cladding, it adds a touch of cultural significance to the park. Throughout the site, you'll also find graphics that speak about the early occupation of the Waitematā coastal edge and its inland slopes, showcasing the industrious nature of Mana Whenua. Brass inlays of representative shellfish embedded within the promenade paving surface serve as a reminder of the abundant food source relied upon by Mana Whenua.

The planting scheme at Te Hauauru Park is multi-layered, blending native and exotic species to provide a diverse botanical experience throughout the year. Along the western boundary, a characterful herbaceous border softens the interface with planned housing, creating a seamless transition between the park and the expanding residential area.

We invite you to explore Te Hauauru Park and immerse yourself in the beauty of its design and natural surroundings. We are committed to providing a recreational area that reflects the rich history and vibrant future of Auckland. Come and experience the tranquility and serenity of Te Hauauru Park today!