Auckland's longest uninterrupted urban stream, Te Auaunga, was converted to a concrete stormwater channel in the 1930s, making a 1.3km stretch of surrounding parkland prone to flooding. This included significant damage to neighbouring houses in the 1970s. But Te Auaunga, or ‘swirling waters’ in te reo, is a taonga and desperately needed care and restoration.

The Te Auaunga project both responded to the flood risk and enabled higher density, affordable housing in this underdeveloped central Auckland suburb.

Along with park and stream restoration, the project included an extensive public open-space upgrade, an outdoor education zone, two BMX tracks and a community fāle, reflecting the aspirations of the large local Pasifika community. More than 120,000 native trees were planted as part of the project.

Te Auaunga demonstrates not only environmental guardianship but the impact possible when local government, the community (including mana whenua), and contractors collaborate to take a placemaking approach.