Aucklanders urged to have their say: Four days left to shape how we li…
With just days remaining until public consultation closes, Auckland Council is calling on residents and community groups to share their vision for the future recreational use of A F Thomas Park. This is the final chance for Aucklanders to help shape the park’s transformation into a unique destination following major blue-green infrastructure works currently in design.
Opportunity to Shape a Landmark Park
The proposed transformation of A F Thomas Park is a landmark project, featuring both new flood storage wetlands and dry flood detention areas designed to increase flood resilience in the Wairau catchment. The park, given its size and amenities, could stand out in the future as a resilient, multi-use open space, with the potential to rival other iconic Auckland destinations such as Cornwall Park.
"With up to 30 hectares available for re-imagining, A F Thomas Park has the scale and natural features to become a true destination park, supporting a unique mix of recreation and resilience for the North Shore and wider Auckland community,” says Martin Van Jaarsveld, Head of Specialist Operations at Auckland Council.
“This is the largest piece of public land in the heart of the North Shore, and I genuinely think there are some amazing opportunities to develop legacy recreation activities and facilities within AF Thomas Park,” says Melanie Kenrick, deputy Chair of the Kaipātiki Local Board.
“What is created will depend on community visions for recreation, events, and connections in this remarkable space which is why consultation is being held before final decisions are made. Every voice can help to shape the park’s future.”
Over 3,000 voices shaping the future
The five-week consultation, led by the Kaipātiki Local Board, has already heard from a broad cross-section of the community, including local families, sports and recreation groups, and neighbour associations. More than 3,000 residents have submitted their feedback so far, highlighting a wide range of aspirations for the park’s future, from walking trails and community gardens to sports facilities and gathering spaces.
Regional organisations and interest groups have also contributed formal submissions, ensuring a diversity of perspectives are represented in the decision-making process.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair Danielle Grant is grateful to those that have already given feedback but would like to see more points of view come in before the consultation closes.
“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in this final week so that the future of A F Thomas Park is shaped by the broadest possible cross-section of our community. “If you live, work, study or spend time on the North Shore, your voice counts. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas so we can make sure A F Thomas Park is a place where future generations can play, connect and thrive.”
Community representation deliberating the evidence
A unique feature of the A F Thomas Park consultation is the deliberative democracy element, which gives community members a meaningful role in shaping the future of the park. Auckland Council has recruited a demographically representative panel from across the North Shore and Albany Wards to participate in a deliberative forum, enabling a mix of Aucklanders to consider evidence, hear from experts and stakeholders, and work together to develop informed recommendations about park priorities, uses, and funding.
Decision-makers have committed to listening to and carefully considering the suggestions generated by this panel when making final decisions.
The recommendations created through the forum will be delivered to the Kaipātiki Local Board early next year and will sit alongside wider public feedback and technical reports as key sources informing the Board’s decision. This process ensures that shared community values, future-focused priorities, and diverse perspectives are deeply integrated into the final plan for A F Thomas Park, shaping a destination park that will support recreation and wellbeing for generations to come.
Make Your Feedback Count
Feedback closes at midnight on 23 November 2025. Locals and all Aucklanders can participate by submitting their views online through the AK Have Your Say website, or by completing written feedback forms available in Glenfield and Takapuna Libraries.
Once submissions close, a comprehensive consultation report will be prepared for the Kaipātiki Local Board. In early 2026, decisions will be made about which recreational outcomes will be included in the park, and community feedback will play a central role in shaping these choices.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence the future of A F Thomas Park,” says Craig Mcilroy, Auckland Council’s General Manager, Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience.
“Around the world, forward-thinking cities are increasingly designing open spaces that not only reduce flood risk but also enhance people’s everyday lives. By balancing nature-based stormwater solutions with accessible recreation, we’re building resilience for future generations and aligning Auckland with the world’s leading cities on climate adaptation and community wellbeing.”
Don’t miss your chance to help define the future of A F Thomas Park – visit AK Have Your Say and contribute your ideas before consultation closes next week.
Visit A F Thomas Park Recreation | AK Have Your Say for more information and to fill out an online feedback form or download a hard copy.
