Five ways the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board protects our environment

From restoring native habitats to reducing waste and improving waterways, people across Devonport-Takapuna are working together to care for the local environment. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board supports many of these efforts through funding, partnerships and long-term planning.

1. Planting thousands of native plants across reserves

Thousands of native plants are helping restore biodiversity across Devonport-Takapuna reserves, creating healthier habitats for birds and greener neighbourhood parks for the community to enjoy.

In the most recent planting season, 7,891 native plants were established across 24 local reserves, helping bring life back into neighbourhood green spaces and strengthen native ecosystems. These planting efforts are supported by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board working alongside community volunteers and restoration groups.

Read more about the community planting effort.

2. Supporting pest control and ecological restoration

Community pest-control programmes are helping native birds thrive across Devonport-Takapuna.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board supports initiatives such as the Pupuke Birdsong Project and Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, which work with volunteers, schools and private landowners to control pest animals and plants while restoring native habitats. These efforts help protect biodiversity and improve ecosystems connected to places like Lake Pupuke, Ngātaringa Bay and Shoal Bay.

Funding from the board also supports projects such as native planting and weed management at the Wairau Estuary, helping restore the health of this highly degraded waterway.

Learn more about the board's environmental funding.

3. Improving water quality and marine environments

Waterways such as the Wairau Stream and Lake Pupuke play an important role in the health of the Waitematā Harbour.

The board's environmental work programme includes initiatives aimed at improving water quality, restoring degraded estuaries and protecting marine environments along the coastline. Projects like the Wairau Estuary Enhancement Plan focus on restoring the estuary through planting, weed management and long-term ecological restoration. These efforts help strengthen biodiversity and reduce pollution entering the harbour.

Learn more about Auckland's beach and water quality monitoring through Safeswim.

4. Reducing waste and encouraging reuse

Creative reuse and waste reduction initiatives are helping Devonport-Takapuna households keep valuable materials out of landfill.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board supports initiatives that help residents rethink consumption and reduce waste. One example is the Noughty Wasters Zero Waste Makerspace, based at the upgraded Devonport Community Recycling Centre.

Supported with $27,400 in funding, the programme runs workshops for local school groups that inspire zero-waste habits through play, creativity and community learning, often using industrial waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

5. Planning greener, connected neighbourhoods

Long-term planning is helping shape greener, more connected neighbourhoods across Devonport-Takapuna.

The board's planning work, including the Devonport-Takapuna Greenways Plan, aims to improve ecological corridors, increase tree canopy and create walking and cycling connections that link people with nature. These initiatives help support biodiversity while also creating healthier neighbourhoods for residents to walk, cycle and enjoy local parks and reserves.

Learn more about the Devonport-Takapuna Greenways Plan.

Many of these projects are powered by volunteers and community groups. If you'd like to help restore local reserves, waterways or wildlife habitats, there are plenty of ways to get involved across the Devonport-Takapuna area.