Blue-green networks

Blue-green networks explained

A blue-green network is a system of waterways (blue) and parks (green) that:

• give stormwater space to flow
• help reduce flooding where people live.

What we want to do

Following the severe weather in Auckland in early 2023, we are considering how we interact with water in our populated neighbourhoods. Creating more blue-green networks in suitable locations can make our communities safer.

As part of our Making Space for Water 10-year flood mitigation programme, we identified 12 potential areas around the region that could most benefit from blue-green networks..

How blue-green networks work

In dry weather the community can enjoy these parks. During storms the parks may flood, moving water away from and reducing flooding on private property.

Watch our video that explains blue-green networks.

Read the video transcript.

Current blue-green networks

Blue-green networks already exist in the region and are helping to manage stormwater during severe weather events.

Examples include:

• Awakeri Wetlands
• Hobsonville Point
• Long Bay
• Greenslade Reserve
• Te Auanga / Oakley Creek
• Taiaotea Creek
• Waiatarua wetlands
• Taniwha Reserve
• Puhinui Stream
• Project Twin Streams.

​Potential new blue-green network locations

This map shows where we are considering blue-green networks.

Some projects may not proceed and could be replaced by different areas as we learn more.

​We are initially focusing on four areas:

• Te Auaunga Stage 2 in Mt Roskill
• Waimoko and Opanuku streams in Henderson
• Te Ararata Creek in Māngere
• Wairau Creek in Wairau Valley.

We will examine the eight other areas in the first half of 2024. All 12 projects cannot happen at the same time. The work is complex and requires a lot of resources and funding.

Reduce further risk to properties

Blue-green networks are related to the Category 3 buy-out proposal organised by the Recovery Office. This process will help move people from properties where there is an intolerable risk to life.

Blue-green networks will likely be built around Category 3 properties where communities will benefit the most.

Funding and buy-outs will determine where and how many blue-green networks can be built.

Next steps

The consultation to approve and fund blue-green networks will happen during the long-term plan consultation process that opens from 28 February to 28 March 2024.

We are engaging with mana whenua, local boards and key stakeholders in the four initial project areas to establish working groups.

We are also working alongside mana whenua to develop a framework (He Ara) for achieving our commitment to Maori outcomes.

We aim to consult with local boards and affected communities for all 12 areas by July 2024.

Construction of some blue-green projects will likely begin in 2026, with the aim of completing them over the following 10 years.