Te Aka Raataa Regeneration:
Stage 1
Te Aka Raata is a major regeneration project in Manukau focused on restoring Te Puhinui Awa, improving water quality flowing to the Manukau Harbour, and creating safer, more connected public spaces through Wai-Ākatea / Rata Vine Stream Reserve.
Delivered as part of Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui and Transform Manukau, Stage 1 transformed a previously concrete-lined channel into a naturalised stream, while also introducing new walking and cycling connections through the corridor.
Our role.
We supported the delivery of Stage 1 through both environmental restoration and on-the-ground workforce development:
Eco-sourced native plant supply for riparian and wetland planting
Large-scale planting across the newly restored stream corridor
Establishment maintenance and replacement planting during early years
Creating employment pathways through hands-on environmental work
Working alongside mana whenua-led design elements and in-stream features
What this project achieved.
This project transformed a degraded urban waterway into a functioning natural system.
A previously engineered channel was reshaped into a meandering stream
Riparian and wetland planting improved ecological health and water quality
New paths, boardwalks, and cycleways improved public access and safety
The project contributes to a long-term vision connecting the Auckland Botanic Gardens to Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park
Approximately 1.1 km of stream corridor has been restored as part of this stage.
Why it matters.
Projects like Te Aka Raataa show what’s possible when environmental restoration is combined with meaningful employment pathways.
Throughout the duration of our involvement with the project Te Whāngai Trust’s social impact model achieved:
supporting more than two-dozen NEET rangatahi into work-preparedness pathways, and
helping ten people with lived experience of the corrections system to transition back into society through nursery roles and pastoral care.
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) — Charlie Challenger Supreme Award + Category Winner (Master Planning & Urban Design Strategy)
