Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek)

Find out about this milestone project that integrated mātauranga and environmentally sustainable practices to restore the mauri of the awa, so it can be treasured and respected for generations to come.

Introduction

Te Auaunga (meaning swirling waters) is the longest awa (river) in the Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland isthmus. The awa, also known as Oakley Creek, flows between Te Tātua a Riukiuta (original Three Kings mountains) and Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa (Mount Roskill) in the south, to Te Waitematā, near Mōtū Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve in the northwest.

In pre-European times Te Auaunga was part of a vibrant ecosystem encompassing wetlands, native trees and forests. It provided a rich habitat for kererū (native pigeon), tūī, ruru (native owl), tuna (eel) and other wildlife.

Te Auaunga is a site of great cultural significance to iwi mana whenua who have long-standing historical connections to the awa.

From 2016 to 2019, extensive modifications and upgrades were undertaken on Te Auaunga between Sandringham Road and Richardson Road, through Walmsley and Underwood parks. The project aimed to restore the mauri (the life force or essential quality and vitality of its being) of the awa using mātauranga (knowledge systems of individuals, hapu, iwi etc) and contemporary environmentally sustainable practices.

The aspiration of mana whenua and the community was that within one generation Te Auaunga returns to a healthy state. The awa will be shaded by native forest, supporting abundant wildlife and treasured by future generations.

A black and white spriral-like illustration with two mirrored components intertwined.
The tohu is a symbol that was developed to represent the awa and the relationship of mana whenua with the awa. It was developed collaboratively among mana whenua and Whaotapu who are a collective of Tohunga Toi Ake and work across Tāmaki Makaurau and the motu.

Background

During the 1840’s, land in Te Tātua a Riukiuta (Three Kings mountains) and Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa (Mt Roskill) was taken from mana whenua by the Crown and sold on to settlers. The remaining native forests were removed and water from Te Auaunga was diverted for livestock farming. Large scale quarrying of Te Tātua-o-Riukiuta provided a major source of aggregate materials that contributed to colonial expansion across the isthmus.

In the 1920’s, Te Wai-a-Rakataura (wetlands in the area) were drained to create land for large scale housing developments. Te Auaunga was then further modified in the 1930s and channeled into a 1.3 km culvert to address flooding. However this led to further flooding, putting over 100 homes and residents’ lives at risk. Over time Te Auaunga became polluted and its mauri became degraded and diminished. This created flow-on effects impacting the Waitematā Harbour, especially Mōtū Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve.

A natural stream flowing past native plantings in an urban setting with a pathway alongside.
Iwi mana whenua and community aspirations are for a clean, healthy Te Auaunga supporting native trees, plants, birds and wildlife.
Photo credit: Kellie Blizzard

Auckland Council and mana whenua in partnership

Te Auaunga project was initially conceived by council as a stormwater engineering solution to increase capacity and reduce flooding in the area. This required significant funding and council chose to retain project management to ensure environmental outcomes, alongside better social and community outcomes. 

The three local boards through which Te Auaunga flows also supported the project.

The protection of the natural environment remains one of the most important responsibilities of mana whenua as kaitiaki. This is reflected in the design of the tohu where the double koru (spiral) represents the coming together, around a common purpose and interest - to protect Te Auaunga.

The following iwi mana whenua participated and contributed:

  • Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki
  • Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua
  • Ngāti Tamaoho
  • Ngaati Whanaunga
  • Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei
  • Te Ākitai Waiohua
  • Te Kawerau A Maki

The above iwi mana whenua shaped the project in a number of ways:

  • Gifted the project name.
  • Shifted the project from an artificial engineered response to a softer design, allowing the stream to return to its natural state.
  • Advocated for additional significant water quality management design features e.g. devices that filter out rubbish, better management of overland water flow, vegetated swales, improved fish passage and protection and riparian planting.
  • Supported the addition of a māra hūpara (traditional Māori playground).
  • Encouraged the inclusion of interpretive signage throughout the park.
  • Identified the appropriate native plant species for replanting
  • Supported Te Whangai Trust to establish an on-site native plant nursery.
An intricately designed raised wooden footpath and complementary wooden seat sit amongst new native plantings alongside the waterway.
As newly planted native trees flourish, birdlife will increase and the ecosystem will become healthier along Te Auaunga - an indicator of healthy mauri.
Photo credit: Kellie Blizzard
A family of adults and young children on bikes are cycling the new pathway between urban houses and the waterway.
New pathways over and along Te Auaunga encourage connection with the restored awa. Physical activity in nature also improves the health and wellbeing of the community.
Photo credit: Kellie Blizzard

Outcomes and benefits

What started as a project to stop flooding became an exemplar for environmental and social outcomes through council, mana whenua and community working together.

The project has been recognised through numerous awards in Aotearoa and overseas, leading to council and mana whenua partnering on subsequent projects.

Read the Te Tohu o Te Auaunga Implentation Strategy (2019) to get a sense of the size and breadth of the project.

Walk or cycle Te Auaunga - Wesley Path to experience the results of this project.