Waitematā Local Board News

Waitematā Local Board includes the city centre and fringe retail and commercial areas (including Newmarket) and the inner-city residential suburbs (Westmere, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Ponsonby, Arch Hill, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay, Newton, Eden Terrace, Grafton, Newmarket and Parnell.)

Waitematā Local Board have three grants:

Waitematā Local Grant – Round Two applications closed

Waitematā Quick Response Grant – Round Two closed

Waitematā Accommodation Grant – Round One Closed

Saturday, 20 September to Sunday, 5 October 2025

In 2025 we mark the 75th anniversary of the Empire Games, a moment when nearly 250,000 hearts beat in unison. Join us as we celebrate the enduring spirit of sport and recreation that defines our city.

We're seeking events that evoke the emotion of those Games – the excitement, the pride, the shared experience. Tell the stories of our sporting heroes, explore the history of our beloved venues, and showcase the evolution of local teams.

From the power of children's play to the traditions of ngā tākaro and our maritime legacy, let's rediscover the heart of Auckland's sporting soul. And beyond the sporting arena, let's celebrate the rich and varied histories of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

This is a call to celebrate play in every way, ensuring 2025 resonates with the spirit of unity and joy.

Rather than shaping events to fit within the topic each year, we’d like the theme to be more of an inspiration for your event. You may prefer to proceed with your usual event, even if it falls outside the theme. Either way, as long as there’s a heritage/historical focus, we’re keen to see your ideas for 2025!

Applications close on the 20th of June 2025.  

Get ready to unleash your inner gardener and join the Upcycle Garden Challenge! As part of the Parnell Festival of Roses, we invite you to don your most creative gardening gloves and let your imagination bloom!

The aim is for children to design and create an upcycled garden to be on display within the Parnell Festival of Roses. Each application is given a $400 grant to purchase materials of your choice in support of your upcycled items. 

Throughout the event, stunning gardens will be on display, each competing for your vote! Cast your vote for your favourite garden and help crown the winner of the Upcycle Garden Challenge!

You can enter as a school group, or as individuals. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult for the challenge. 

For more details on the challenge and the build, the information pack is available to read HERE

Two regional opportunities for arts funding are currently open for applications:
 - Regional Arts and Culture project grants, closing 13 July
 - Creative Communities Scheme, closing 17 August

Due to city traffic, limited footpath space, pedestrian activity, and the lack of storage space in many properties, wheelie bins are not suitable for Auckland’s city centre. Instead, there’s a special bag collection for rubbish and recycling.

Auckland Council’s kerbside rubbish and recycling collection in the city centre covers Karangahape Road, Queen Street and the area bounded by Mayoral Drive, Albert Street, Britomart Place and Quay St. On Emily Place, collections are on the north side only.

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Taller buildings and increased development capacity are on the way for Auckland’s city centre, following Auckland Council’s decision to accept recommendations that will help deliver more homes, more businesses, and better access to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.  

The decision was made by Auckland Council's Policy and Planning Committee, which accepted in full a set of recommendations from the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP), an expert body established to hear public submissions and evidence on Plan Change 78. The IHP recommendations were based on extensive public input, expert evidence, and hearings.