4-ward thinking: 4 ways the Local Board makes green happen

In Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, caring for the whenua (land) and te taiao (environment) is part of who we are.

This reflects what locals told the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is important, protecting our natural environment, strengthening partnerships with mana whenua and the community, and supporting climate action through tree planting, native habitat restoration, and sustainable living programmes.

Let's look at four ways the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board is helping deliver just that!

1. Auckland Teaching Gardens

At Old School Reserve on Kirkbride Road, Māngere, the garden has been putting down roots for 17 years. Led by Yvonne, Metua and Vai, it's a thriving hub for sustainable food growing, education and community support - working with schools, volunteers and Corrections teams to care for the land and share fresh produce locally.

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am-2pm. Garden plots are $30 for six months, and schools and community groups are welcome. Email Yvonne for help or donations.

Tōia community garden

The kaupapa (project) also extends to the Tōia Community Display Garden at Fairburn Reserve, Ōtāhuhu, led by Brittany. Set within the Tōia Recreation Precinct, the garden features herbs, fruit trees and an orchard for locals to enjoy and share.

Open to the community, it's a welcoming space that promotes sustainable gardening and hauora (wellbeing) while helping connect whānau (family) with fresh, locally grown kai (food).

(2.) Pest Free Ihumātao

Protecting the mauri (life force) of Ihumātao and its surrounding taonga (treasure) is at the heart of this kaupapa, which is why the local board has made a significant $140,000 commitment to support it.

Led by Makaurau Marae, the work focuses on restoring and caring for key places like:

• Ōruarangi Awa - a local waterway/stream in Māngere
• Ōtuataua Stonefields - a historic volcanic stonefield garden
• and Ihumātao Papakāinga - a traditional Māori village/community settlement at Ihumātao, Māngere. One of the oldest areas of Māori settlement in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, with homes, gardens, and ancestral connections.

Through native planting, restoration, and biodiversity work, the marae is creating jobs, training rangatahi (youth), and growing the nursery.

Alongside this, promoting waste reduction, composting, and community learning helps protect Māngere's landscapes while supporting local whānau (family).

(3.) Low-Carbon Homes - acting on climate together

With $26,500 in support, this programme helps local households take simple steps to cut emissions and save money. Experts review your home's energy use, transport, water, food, and community habits, then give tailored tips. You choose the actions you want to try, and follow-up calls show your progress, including estimated CO₂ savings and cost reductions. It's a practical way for families in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu to live greener, save on bills, and make a positive impact on the environment.

This initiative is free for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu residents. A waste solutions contractor visits homes with a quick survey to see how you use energy, transport, and food. They suggest simple actions you can try and follow up to see your progress. Sign-up happens door-to-door.

(4.) Māngere Waterways Restoration Programme

A $34,750 contribution enables this programme to care for our local awa (waterways) and get the community involved.

People get hands-on in our streams and riparian (the land that boarders a river) areas - removing weeds, clearing blockages, planting natives, and keeping past restoration areas healthy. To get involved in the programme, people can get in touch with the Stream Team via Te Ararata Stream Team | Facebook.

This helps to revive Māngere's awa, protect kāinga noho (habitats), and inspire our hāpori (community) to care for the te taiao (environment) for years to come.