Keep Wai o Taiki Wild | #keepwaiotaikiwild

Some places should be protected, not paved.

Wai o Taiki Bay Nature Reserve is a quiet coastal sanctuary of wetlands, shell banks, mature trees and birdlife. It is a place where local and at-risk birds feed, nest and breed, and part of the wider ecological network connected to neighbouring Tāhuna Tōrea Nature Reserve.

The $4.7M Council solution to a non-existent problem | Tāmaki Path - Stage 2

Auckland Council and the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board (MTLB) are currently constructing a $4.7M concrete path and bridge through the heart of Wai o Taiki Bay Nature Reserve. The MTLB 2026/27 CAPEX benefit is stated as to “increase the connectivity between Panmure and Glen Innes” (ID 36699).

But the connection already exists.

Panmure and Glen Innes are already connected by the Tāmaki Path transit corridor, delivered in 2019. Wai o Taiki Bay Nature Reserve is also connected to the same Tāmaki Path transit corridor and fully integrated public transport network, including accessible shared paths and cycleways to and from the Glen Innes transport hub, and beyond. There is no “transit or connectivity gap” to fill.

Council is spending $4.7M to duplicate and avoid existing transit corridors.

Putting 3,200 sqm of 3m-wide concrete cycle/shared paths, boardwalks and an 18m glulam bridge through an established nature reserve is not improving anything — it is ecologically reckless and not fiscally prudent either.

No Notification. No Consultation.

In early 2017, following public consultation, the MTLB halted its initial “Tāmaki Path Greenway” proposal. By 2026, the MTB had revived this proposal, renamed it Tāmaki Path - Stage 2, and advanced it as a non-notified, $4.7M shovel-ready plan. The plan was progressed without public notification, transparency, consultation and engagement, or a continuous and complete Council compliance record.

Protect the Wild

We are calling on Auckland Council and the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board to stop the transit corridor and spend now. Instead, preserve the wetlands, avifauna and flora that make this place so unique. Let’s use our existing shared networks for transit, and invest in protecting and keeping our nature reserves and coastal habitats wild.

Keep Wai o Taiki Wild

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