Auckland Council is asking residents what recreational activities should be provided at A F Thomas Park as it prepares to convert parts of the site into a flood storage wetland and dry detention areas.

The Kaipātiki Local Board will run public consultation from 20 October to 23 November 2025. Feedback is open to anyone, not just locals, and will inform what activities operate alongside the flood infrastructure, which the council says will remain available for public use when the park isn’t inundated.

The council confirmed a concept design in July that pairs recreation with flood works intended to cut downstream flows through Wairau Creek. Healthy Waters says the project aims to reduce flood risk to more than 150 homes and three residential care homes in Milford, and protect access to North Shore Hospital, Westlake Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, and Eventfinda Stadium. The park upgrade is described as a first step to wider resilience works around Nile Road and the Wairau Valley commercial area.

Submissions can be made through the AK Have Your Say website, via written forms available at some libraries and leisure centres, and at community sessions in October and November. Regional organisations and interest groups will also have the chance to present formally to decision makers.

A consultation report is due to the Kaipātiki Local Board in February 2026, with a decision on future recreational uses scheduled for March 2026.

Key dates and details:

• Consultation runs 20 October–23 November 2025, closing at 6pm on 23 November
• Feedback channels: AK Have Your Say; written forms at selected libraries and leisure centres; community sessions
• Purpose: decide what recreation will operate alongside new flood storage and detention areas at A F Thomas Park
• Next steps: report to the local board in February 2026; decision in March 2026

The council’s release does not include construction timing or costs.