Good things take time

Some of the best things in life take time - a tree growing strong, a community coming together, or a place evolving into something better. The same can be said for Manu-kau Noa Iho Hayman Park, where years of work have created something worth the wait.

A playground might be the first thing you'll notice at the park, but it's only the beginning.

Now boasting one of Auckland’s top destination playgrounds, a restored wetland, new public facilities and spaces to relax, the park has been transformed into a place where people can play, connect with nature and spend time in the heart of Manukau.

The park’s renewal has been championed by Manukau Ward councillors Lotu Fuli and Alf Filipaina.

Fuli says: “This wonderful project has taken over a decade to go from ideas and drawings in a boardroom to a beautiful, well-used shared space for our community. I am very proud of the transformation that has happened here - from the bus and train station creating an important public transport hub, to the award-winning destination playground and now the restoration of the wetlands. The entire park is a space for families, students, workers and our seniors to relax, reconnect with nature, exercise and play. This has been a fantastic collaboration for  our community between Auckland Council, Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.”

Filipaina adds: “What I love about this renewal is what the park will mean for the next generation. It’s also a great example of why local boards matter: they help make sure our parks grow with their communities and work for people of all ages and abilities. I want to thank mana whenua for helping keep this work alive. It’s taken many hands, but their vision has helped carry it forward - and who better to tell that story than the kaitiaki (guardian) of this land.”

The park is part of the wider Transform Manukau programme, a major investment in a place that benefits local families, celebrates culture, attracts visitors and supports one of Auckland’s busiest regional centres.

Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says: “While this is part of the Transform Manukau project, it also sits within the wider Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui – regenerating the Puhinui Stream programme. This takes a holistic view of the Puhinui, looking at the health of the awa, the natural environment, surrounding spaces and the wellbeing of neighbouring residents. I’m proud mana whenua have been part of this vision for an important awa that flows through several South Auckland communities. While many of us get on with everyday life, it is mana whenua’s long-term vision and role as kaitiaki that helps drive these projects and improve the health of the Puhinui for the people who live here.”

A destination playground for everyone

At the heart of the park is a spectacular destination playground featuring New Zealand’s tallest play tower, climbing walls, rope bridges, slides, flying foxes, swings and inclusive ground-level play experiences. Designed for tamariki (children) of all ages and abilities, the playground encourages adventure, imagination and connection - giving whaanau a place to play, explore and create memories together.

More reasons to stay, gather and enjoy

People can enjoy free public Wi-Fi, new seating and grass areas, wider shared pathways that connect with cycleways across the Manukau area, and three new public toilets added to the existing toilet block. Welcoming spaces to rest make it easier for families, workers, students and visitors to spend longer in Manukau. The park helps bring more life into the city centre - supporting local businesses, encouraging visitors and strengthening the sense of place for everyone who visits.

Restoring the connection to whenua and culture

Over time, it's original stormwater ponds needed attention, with sediment build up, litter and ageing infrastructure affecting the health of te taiao (environment).

This transformation takes a nature-based approach - restoring the repo (wetland) and a new Gross Pollutant Trap to improve water quality, creating habitat for native species and reconnecting people with the whenua (land). Guided by Ngaati Tamaoho, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua and Te Akitai o Waiohua and supporting the wider regeneration of Manukau, these changes help ensure the park is a place where nature, culture and community can thrive together.

A new paved entry links the park directly with Manukau Bus and Train Station, improving access from the transport hub. You'll notice that the paving design reflects the Puhinui catchment, highlighting the vital role stormwater improvements play across the wider Manukau region.

With boardwalks, thousands of native plants, mahi toi (artwork) and viewing areas woven through the landscape, visitors can experience the character of this place and the stories that continue to shape it.

Part of the everyday experience

The transformation took years. The result will last for years to come.