Ngā whatunga kākāriki-kahurangi
Blue-green networks
Blue-green networks help to keep our communities safe during severe weather events.
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.
Planned blue-green network projects
Projects to begin in 2024
We are staging the development of blue-green projects. The first two projects underway are:
We estimate the construction of these projects will begin at the end of 2024. They are expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
Other projects
The second group of blue-green projects are in the planning and development stages.
They are:
- Clover Drive – Ranui (including Waimoko Stream, Swanson)
- Te Auaunga Stream – Mt Roskill
- Kumeū River – Kumeū
- Wairau Creek – Nile Road and Totaravale, North Shore
- Whangapouri Creek - Pukekohe.
Smaller projects are also being considered for:
- Whau Stream – Blockhouse Bay / Lynfield
- Opanuku Stream – Henderson
- Ōpoutūkeha / Cox's Creek – Grey Lynn
- Epsom.
These projects are all different in terms of:
- scale
- complexity
- resourcing
- costs.
Delivery will depend on securing central government co-funding.
Construction will likely begin from 2026 onwards. We aim to complete the other blue-green networks over the following 10 years.
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 ran from 28 February to 28 March 2024 as part of the
Long-term Plan 2024-2034 (10-year Budget) decision making process.
The Governing Body adopted the
Long-term Plan 2024-2034 on 27 June 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
Māori outcomes.
Related topics
Consider stormwater when building | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/stormwater | Consider stormwater when building | If you are doing any sort of development, one of the factors you need to consider is stormwater. Find out what you need to know about stormwater before you begin. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Stormwater | |
Get ready for a disaster | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recovery-extreme-weather-disasters/get-ready-disaster | Get ready for a disaster | Learn to recognise and manage hazards and risks to prepare your property for a natural disaster. Find out if your property is in a flood zone, how to prepare for a flooding emergency and how to help prevent landslips. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Civil defence
Environment
Disaster and emergency recovery | |
Making Space for Water | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/Pages/making-space-for-water.aspx | Making Space for Water | Making Space for Water is a 10-year programme to help reduce flooding risks and improve our resilience to storms. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Environment consultation | |
Prepare for flooding emergencies | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recovery-extreme-weather-disasters/get-ready-disaster/Pages/prepare-flooding-emergencies.aspx | Prepare for flooding emergencies | Find out what you can do to prepare your property and household for a flooding emergency and how to keep safe during and after a flood. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Civil defence
Environment
Disaster and emergency recovery | |
How we use your flooding and landslide information | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recovery-extreme-weather-disasters/property-categorisation-resolution/Pages/how-use-flooding-landslide-information.aspx | How we use your flooding and landslide information | Find out how we use the information you include on the Flooding and landslide registration form when you register for a risk assessment. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Civil defence
Environment
Disaster and emergency recovery | |
Reduce flooding risks on your property | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/flooding-blockages/Pages/prevent-flooding-blockages-on-property.aspx | Reduce flooding risks on your property | Keep drains and overland flow paths clear to prevent flooding and blockages on your property. Add permeable areas such as lawns to minimise runoff. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Stormwater | |
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