The Waitematā Local Board is committed to developing ‘Strong communities that are inclusive, vibrant and engaged’. The outcome of this is that “our communities are safe and healthy, with a strong sense of identity and connection. Children and young people are thriving and people actively participate in Waitematā’s civic, cultural and recreational life.”
Waitematā Local Board members Pippa Coom and Deborah Yates hold the Community Development portfolio.
Youth Development
Keeping in line with 30-year the vision for Auckland as articulated in The Auckland Plan, the Waitematā Local Board are committed to “putting children and young people first.”
One third of Waitematā population is under the age of 24 years, with nearly half of those aged between 20 and 24 years. We want young people to have places where they can happily play and learn together while they are growing up. Young people told us that they want to participate in city life and would like a youth hub in the city centre. We will explore how this might happen.
The local board continue to work to communicate with young people and youth leaders and are committed to considering their views. They also support a youth-led action plan to ensure young people have the opportunities to enjoy a prosperous future.
Waitematā Local Board member Deborah Yates, holds the Youth sub-portfolio.
Waitematā Youth Collective
We are a collective of young people (12-24) providing a voice and perspective for young people who live, study, work, or spend time in the Waitematā community. We work hard to make sure the Waitematā Local Board and other community stakeholders listen to young people on important issues in our community.
Keen to know more?
Send us a personal message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaitemataYouthCollective or email us at
Child Friendly Cities
The Waitematā Local Board has a particular focus on including the views, and upholding the rights, of children in their work. We are the first local board to register with UNICEF, and begin working towards accreditation with UNICEF as a ‘child friendly’ local board under their ‘Child Friendly Cities’ framework.
Key outcomes for this project include establishing a Steering Group to achieve, monitor and sustain the UNICEF accreditation, deliver child friendly events, consultation and engagement opportunities, training for staff and stakeholders and a stocktake of current child friendly activities.
The local board is committed to promoting, integrating and increasing coordination of services for children.
Waitematā Local Board member Deborah Yates, holds the Child sub-portfolio.
Local food and gardening
There are an unknown number of formal and informal community gardens in Waitematā. The Waitematā Local Board is keen to see more residents connecting due to opportunities created through food and gardening initiatives. They are also committed to support the connection of gardens across the local board area and the Auckland region to ensure the bets access to information and resources.
In the last financial year the Waitematā Local Board provided support to over 11 food and gardening initiatives including supporting the establishment of three new community gardens. The board is excited to have the support of Gardens4Health to assist them to maximise the potential of community gardens in their communities.
| Kelmarna Gardens | 12 Hukanui Cres, Herne Bay, Auckland |
| Wilton Picnic Patch’ | 455 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn – behind Gypsy Tea Room |
| Grafton Community Garden’ | 50 Seafield View Road, Grafton (on the property of Grafton Hall of Residence) |
| Freemans Bay Community Garden | 52 Hepburn Street (adjacent to the Freemans Bay Community Centre) |
| Auckland Women’s Centre – Francis Reserve Community Garden | 4 Warnock Street, Grey Lynn |
| Feijoa Forest | Churchill Road (off Beach Road at the bottom of Constitution Hill). |
| Tangata Māra (The Peoples Garden) | 19 Newton Rd, Auckland
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| Te Maara – St Columba Community Gardens, St Columba Church | St Columbus Church, 92 Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn |
| Hauora Garden of Health and Happiness’ | 1 Ponsonby Road (at the back of Studio One) |