Source: Auckland Council
From late April to December 2025, parts of Hayman Park in Manukau will be temporarily closed for work to further enhance its green spaces.
This will finish the full upgrade of the park and go well with the much-loved playground, which was upgraded in 2023.
Upgraded Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park playground, completed in 2023. Image: Eke Panuku.
Once a thriving wetland that filtered water before it reached Waipuhinui (Puhinui Stream), and the Manukau Harbour, Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park was a vital hub for native fish, birds, insects, and plants.
Working alongside Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngaati Tamaoho, and Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and flood resilience teams, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Eke Panuku Development Auckland are bringing this natural taonga (treasure) back to life. Rejuvenating the land and its ecosystems, preserving it as a thriving, living space for future generations.
The Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Wetland project is a part of the Puhinui Regeneration Strategy, this project is led by Eke Panuku and proudly supported by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli says, “This incredible project, over a decade in the making, would not be possible without the hard work of our Mana Whenua, Eke Panuku, Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, the design team, and the wider Auckland Council whānau. A special thanks to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their ongoing advocacy and leadership. As we restore the land to its original wetland form, we ask for the community’s patience and understanding. Some areas of the park will be closed, so please respect the barriers for safety during this important work.”
Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Repo (wetlands) project will rejuvenate the land and its ecosystems – keeping Manukau’s green heart healthy for future generations. Image: Eke Panuku.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia adds, “Currently there is a stagnant dead pond located on the park. It serves no purpose. Under this project, the wetlands will be revived, and we hope a habitat for our flora and fauna to live and thrive in. This is whakaoranga – bringing back to life.”
A whakaawatea karakia (blessing) in action. Image: Eke Panuku.
Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park holds deep cultural significance, particularly for local iwi Te Ākitai o Waiohua, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, and Ngaati Tamaoho.
A stunning shot of the whakaawatea karakia (blessing). Image: Eke Panuku.
Richard Davison, Priority Location Director at Eke Panuku says “This project has been a long time in the making, and it’s incredibly special to see it come to life. Hayman Park has always been the green jewel at the heart of Manukau, and now we’re helping it shine even brighter.”
From the park to the Auckland Botanic Gardens and beyond, new walking and cycling connections are being strengthened, along with deeper ties to nature.
Artist impression of the revived wetlands at Manu-kau Noa Iho. Image: Eke Panuku.
Why does this work need to be done?
Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park’s stormwater ponds were originally built in 1975 as part of the former Manukau City Council’s development of the city centre.
Over time, issues with sediment build-up, bank stability and litter have begun to cause problems with the ponds. It was agreed that a natural treatment process in the form of a wetland and installing a litter-capturing device would deliver the most effective solution for a cleaner, healthier environment.
What features are planned?
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A new repo (wetland) filled with native planting and rich in wildlife habitat that will improve water quality before it flows into Te Puhinui and the Manukau Harbour
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Replacing the existing ornamental pond with a new grass area for people to rest, enjoy or that can be activated through small events
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Build wider footpaths, boardwalks, and viewing platforms to help people reconnect with nature.
These features will help to clean stormwater before it flows into the Puhinui Stream and Manukau Harbour.
A nice view of the park featuring a calm pond area. Image: Eke Panuku.
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