Molley Green Reserve is a valued neighbourhood asset and much-loved by the local community. Plans to upgrade Molley Green Reserve have always been about enhancing existing amenities and infrastructure so that this communal green space can be used by the community all-year round.
The changes and upgrades coming to Molley Green Reserve (part Waikōwhai’s Stage 2 development) will reflect the important role the reserve plays in stormwater management and its wider cultural significance to local iwi and Te Auaunga.
We’re excited to announce that Kāinga Ora, Isthmus and Piritahi have developed a concept design for Molley Green Reserve in collaboration with mana whenua, Healthy Waters, Parks & Community Facilities, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council. This concept has now been endorsed by the Puketāpapa Local Board.
The valuable feedback we received from a community survey conducted earlier in 2022, helped us shape the upgrades coming to Molley Green Reserve.
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
Making Molley Green Reserve a great place to play and get together was important to the local community. You wanted to see improved and separate cycle paths and walkways, a full basketball court, an area for skateboarding, a public toilet and water fountain, plus natural play areas for all ages.
Safety and sustainability also featured in community feedback. You wanted better lighting, wider footpaths, improved access from various vantage points and clear wayfinding. You wanted to retain and improve Molley Green’s role in stormwater retention and add biofiltration to the daylighted areas of Te Aungua.
Acknowledging the historical and cultural connection of Molley Green Reserve to Te Aungua and mana whenua was also vital. You wanted the new design for Molley Green to ensure that the reserve remained a green and productive place for the community. You asked to see more native planting, as reflected in the Urban Ngahere strategy, as well as expanded spaces for edible food forests and community gardens.
VISION FOR MOLLEY GREEN RESERVE
The vision behind the endorsed design concept for Molley Green Reserve is to “celebrate Te Auaunga and Waikōwhai through the heart of Molley Green Reserve and provide recreational and educational features for the local community to enjoy.”
KEY MOVES
A number of key moves will inform the design of Molley Green Reserve.
- Te Auaunga.
Celebrate the daylighting of Te Auaunga with opportunities for Mana Whenua involvement in expressing the wai. - Ngā ipu o Waikōwhai.
Increase flood detention capacity within the reserve with the creation of basins or bowls that can hold different flood events. - Ara Hikoi.
Create a hero pathway that aligns with Te Auaunga, encourages healthy activity, and connects Molley Green Reserve to Keith Hay Park to the north and Waikōwhai Park to the south. - Urban Ngahere.
Create habitats for local fauna and flora, particularly kōwhai, to grow. - Active Play.
Improve the existing playground and basketball area by integrating Mara hupara / natural play and multi-use play. - Community.
Increase areas for the community to gather, share and grow kai, with a barbeque area and potential expansion of the existing community garden.
ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN
Informed by our overarching vision, and grounded in the Key Moves above, we’re proud to share the new, illustrative design concept for Molley Green Reserve with the community.
Keen to learn more about what’s happening at Molley Green Reserve and in the Waikōwhai neighbourhood? Sign up for our newsletter here or get in touch with our Community Engagement team via email.