Te Aka Raataa Regeneration:
Stage 1
Te Aka Raataa is a staged regeneration project in Wiri/Manukau to improve Te Puhinui Awa, enhance water quality flowing to the Manukau Harbour, and create new public connections through Wai‑Ākatea / Rata Vine Stream Reserve.
Delivered under Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui and Transform Manukau, Stage 1 replaced a concrete-lined channel with a naturalised stream form and improved walking and cycling connections.
Our role
Eco-sourced native plant supply for riparian and wetland planting packages (Stage 1).
Large-scale riparian and wetland planting installation along newly meandered channel and shared path interfaces.
Establishment maintenance and replacement planting during the early-years performance period.
Employment pathways embedded through on-site ecological works.
Coordination with mana whenua-led design elements and mahi toi interfaces in-stream and along path corridor.
Impact
Stage 1 (celebrated January 2026) transformed a once concrete-lined channel by naturalising the stream and returning meanders, while delivering wider walking paths, cycleways, and boardwalks to improve safety and connectivity. The project concept and programme connects a restored corridor between the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Manu‑kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park over time; public reporting also describes 1.1 km of Puhinui Stream regeneration through the Raataa Vine Stream Reserve as part of the concept plan framing.
Riparian planting establishing along new meanders (early establishment phase).
Wider shared path and new crossings reconnect communities on both sides of Te Puhinui.
Riparian vegetation in establishment phase.
"Before" photo placed on an easel showing the transformation taking place at Te Aka Raataa.
Stage 1: Naturalised stream alignment replacing a concrete channel at Wai‑Ākatea / Rata Vine Stream Reserve.
Awards & recognitions
Te Aka Raataa sits within a broader, award-winning catchment strategy:
Asia-Pacific IFLA Awards (2021): Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui received an “Outstanding Award” (Unbuilt Parks & Environment).
NZILA Awards (2022): Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui: Te Rautaki won the NZILA Charlie Challenger Supreme Award and was Category Winner (Master Planning & Urban Design Strategy).
