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A newly completed park near Papakura has been designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the wider Opaheke area.
Building the park took years of planning and design. Auckland Council, local iwi, and
stormwater design experts worked together to shape the land in a way that respects nature and supports local history. The space includes an extensive stream network, sculptured earth mounds, and signage to explain the area’s significance.
A huge 19 hectares in size, Ōpaheke Park is one of the largest developed parks by the council in South Auckland. It features wide green fields, 2km of walking paths, 50,000 new plants and trees, wetlands, and a pump track for the kids.
What makes this park special is its clever design, which helps keep nearby homes safe from
flooding. When it rains heavily, water needs somewhere to go. Instead of rushing through
existing drains and flooding streets, Ōpaheke Park plays a protective role by holding excess
rainwater to help prevent flooding during storms. This helps reduce the impact on houses in nearby low-lying areas and homes at the base of Red Hill.
The park is designed to soak up water during storms and slowly let it flow back into the
environment. Less pressure on drains and pipes – and less chance of flood damage. On dry days, it looks like a regular park. But during heavy rain, which is becoming more frequent in Auckland, it quietly does an important job.
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole said the park was a great example of smart
planning.
“It’s a space where families can exercise, play and relax, but also somewhere that helps with flood control”.
Officially open to the public from July 17, the park is already popular with walkers, families, and sports teams at the nearby fields. It’s a place to enjoy today that serves a greater purpose in protecting the future.
