The Kaipātiki Local Board has finalised its long-term vision for A F Thomas Park in Wairau Valley, voting to transform the green space into a hub for sports and recreation while integrating a major flood resilience network.
In a decision announced on Wednesday, the board approved a plan that balances a variety of community needs. The park will feature a commercially sustainable and affordable golf facility covering at least 18 hectares, two full-sized sports fields, and dedicated space for potential indoor sports and events. The plan also incorporates amenities such as children’s play areas, exercise equipment, youth recreation spaces, and dog walking zones.
Improved pedestrian and cycle paths are set to be woven throughout the park, creating safe north-south and east-west connections for the community. The board also confirmed the continued presence of the Shore Archery Club and Sunnybrae Bowling Club within the wider park area.
The decision follows an extensive five-week public consultation period in late 2025, where the board gathered community feedback on preferred recreational uses for the park. Kaipātiki Local Board Chair Danielle Grant described the outcome as a significant win for the local community and a ‘once-in-a-generation’ decision.
A dual-purpose park for a resilient future
Beyond the new recreational offerings, the redevelopment of A F Thomas Park is a cornerstone of Auckland Council’s strategy to mitigate severe flooding in the surrounding Wairau catchment. A significant portion of the park will be redeveloped by the Healthy Waters department into a ‘blue-green’ network of flood storage wetlands and dry detention basins.
This nature-based infrastructure is designed to hold and slow the release of stormwater during heavy rain events, keeping the green space available for public use during dry weather. The system is a critical first step in the wider Ngā Wairau Flood Resilience project, which aims to protect hundreds of residents and essential services from future flood damage.
The Wairau Valley has historically been susceptible to flooding, which poses a significant risk to the densely populated and economically vital area. The comprehensive flood resilience network, once complete, is projected to significantly reduce flood risk to over 150 homes and three residential care facilities in nearby Milford.
Crucially, it will also safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital, Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, and the Eventfinda Stadium during weather emergencies. Improving the resilience of these facilities is a major priority for the city's overall health and safety infrastructure, a topic of growing importance highlighted by the World Health Organisation's recent focus on Auckland's role in Pacific health.
Urgency and careful planning required
Craig Mcilroy, General Manager for Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, said it is crucial that the project maintains momentum to address the clear community desire for reduced flood risk.
This project aims to significantly reduce downstream flood flows through Wairau Creek, and reduce flood risk to over 150 homes and three residential care homes in Milford,” Mr Mcilroy says. “The work in A F Thomas Park is a critical first step to reduce the significant flood risk across the Wairau catchment and will enable wider flood resilience works in and around Nile Road, and the commercial areas of Wairau Valley.
The provision of new sports fields and recreational facilities, such as those planned for A F Thomas Park, is also part of a wider conversation about ensuring public access to spaces for physical activity. As researchers have noted, investing in modern, resilient sporting infrastructure is vital for community well-being.
Taryn Crewe, General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities, said the board’s decision is the first step in a process that will ultimately provide new opportunities for locals to be active and connected. The urban renewal project echoes similar efforts to enhance public spaces in other major cities, like the new rooftop venue being built at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
The path ahead: masterplans and funding
While Wednesday’s decision sets the strategic direction for what will be included in the park, the specifics of how and where these elements will be located are yet to be determined. The next phase of the project involves creating a detailed masterplan to map out the placement of the golf course, sports fields, and other amenities alongside the stormwater infrastructure.
This masterplan will also guide detailed designs and future leasing arrangements for the clubs and facilities involved.
A significant challenge remains securing the necessary funding. Because the project was initiated to address urgent flood resilience needs, Auckland Council has not allocated a dedicated budget for the major new recreational facilities. The local board and council will now need to plan for funding through future budgets or investigate alternative revenue streams. The delivery of the new amenities is expected to be staged over several years as financing becomes available.
The immediate priority is to progress the masterplan, allowing the vital flood resilience work to move forward while laying the groundwork for a revitalised recreational hub for the Wairau Valley community.
