16 December 2025

12 November 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 December 2025

Kaipātiki Reserve Triumphs: The Kaipara Crown Jewel Wins Outstanding Park Award and Green Flag Honour
Kaipātiki Reserve Shines on the National Stage

Kaipātiki Reserve has been named most exceptional public space in Aotearoa, taking home the prestigious Outstanding Park Award at the 2025 Recreation Awards and earning a coveted Green Pavlova Green Flag for 2025/26. These accolades celebrate parks that enhance wellbeing through recreation, and Kaipātiki Reserve stands out for its innovative design, cultural integration, and commitment to inclusivity.
Located in the heart of Kaipara, this unique wāhi tākaro is more than a playground—it is a living expression of co-governance and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

The reserve reflects the deep cultural and environmental heritage of Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, weaving together Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā worldviews. From its sustainable design and stormwater systems to its storytelling features and repurposed materials, Kaipātiki Reserve sets a benchmark for future developments across Aotearoa.

“Kaipātiki Reserve is a taonga for our people and our whenua,” says Chairperson Mihi Blair. “This recognition is not just for a park—it’s for the partnership, the vision, and the shared commitment between Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara and Auckland Council to creating spaces that honour our identity and nurture our communities.”

Deputy Chair Guy Wishart, and Chair of the Rodney Local Board, adds “This award affirms what we’ve always believed: when we work together, guided by tikanga and respect, we create places that truly belong to everyone. Kaipātiki Reserve is a shining example of what co-governance can achieve.”

The awards were presented at the Recreation Aotearoa ceremony in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where industry leaders celebrated innovation and leadership in recreation. The win was proudly accepted by Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio, and Auckland Council, marking a milestone for co-governance and community-led design.
Why It Matters

Kaipātiki Reserve is not just a playground—it’s a destination that sets a benchmark for future developments across Aotearoa. Designed to reflect the unique cultural and environmental heritage of Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, the space integrates storytelling, natural features, and sustainable practices to create an inclusive environment for all ages and abilities. From repurposed materials and stormwater management systems to its emphasis on mana whenua identity and community engagement, Kaipātiki Reserve is a model for ecological stewardship and cultural connection.

Call to Action for Media We invite media to experience Kaipātiki Reserve firsthand. Chaperoned visits can be arranged for filming and interviews with the Chair and Deputy Chair of Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara. Capture the beauty of this award-winning space and share the story of how co-governance is shaping the future of recreation in Aotearoa. ENDS.

For further information please contact: Challen Wilson | Media Manager,

Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara | 021 924 544 | challen.wilson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

Images: Kaipātiki Reserve / Cactus Photography 

15 October 2025

Special general meeting

A special general meeting (for the years ended 31 March 2022, 2023 and 2024) will be held at 10am on Sunday 7 December 2025 at Reweti Marae, 1285 State Highway 16.

Items with resolutions are:

• Approve minutes of the 2021 AGM

• Approve 2022-4 audited financials

• Approve auditor for the 2024-5 financials

• Approve trustee remuneration

• Special resolution for Paremoremo land

Private notices are being mailed to registered members of Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara (NMWoK) whose addresses are known. If you are a member but know your address has changed since registering, or you do not receive a notice before the end of the month, please contact our office to update your details.

Public notices have been placed in national and local newspapers. Information about items to be considered at the SGM will be available on the NMWoK website (www.kaiparamoana.com).

Elections and annual general meeting

Nominations for the Hapū of the Marae Trustees close at 5pm on Tuesday 3 November 2025 and must be received at the NMWoK office at 71 Restall Road, Woodhill, or the NMWoK Trust’s office at 5 Rere Place, Parakai (by appointment), or by the Returning Officer at PO Box 5135, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 by this time.

Nominations are invited from any eligible person who is recorded on the NMWoK Register as primarily affiliating to the hapū of the marae that he or she is seeking to represent.

Each candidate must be nominated on a nomination paper available by:

• visiting the NMWoK Office at 71 Restall Road, Woodhill;

• visiting the Trust’s office at 5 Rere Place, Parakai by appointment;

• phoning the Returning Office on 0800 922 822 to have one posted out;

• accessing www.kaiparamoana.com.

The Annual General Meeting (for the year ended 31 March 2025) for the NMWoK Development Trust has been confirmed for 10am on Saturday 7 March 2026 at Te Aroha Pā, 2558 Kaipara Coast Highway, Araparera.

Votes can be cast for the election of the 5 Marae Trustees at the AGM. Election results will be announced at the meeting after the close of voting at 12 noon.

Candidate hui for each of the five marae will be held between November 15 and December 13. Individual meetings will be promoted as details are confirmed but the candidate hui for Te Kia Ora Marae will be held at the marae on Saturday, 13 December from 11am – 12pm.

Failure to attend an election hui will mean a candidate will no longer be eligible for election.

If you are not registered you will not be eligible to vote, to nominate someone to stand for election, or to stand for election yourself. NMWoK whānau who have not done so are invited to register as members of NMWoK. Registration forms can be obtained by phoning the Trust office on 0800 695 247, by emailing admin@kaiparamoana.com or by registering online at www.kaiparamoana.com.

August whānau update hui

An update hui was held at Reweti Marae on the 31st of August. The presentation given by the NMWoK Trust is available on the website.

Upcoming dates

Wharekai opening Te Aroha Pā – 25 October

Hauora Day Reweti Marae - 31 October

Future recruitment

NMWoK will shortly be advertising administrative, taiao / heritage management and facility promotion / management roles.