Kia ora koutou,
Winter may be upon us, but the waterfront is still a hive of activity.
Join us in celebrating Matariki 2026, with two free family friendly events being held at Silo Park this July.
While you’re there, be sure to take in the awe-inspiring light-based artwork, Whai, which also returns to The Gantry this week (1 July).
And for our friends in hospitality, the council recently launched a new service to help business owners navigate registration and licensing processes. You can read more about this below.
Mānawatia a Matariki,
Your Waterfront Team
Te Ara Tukutuku June update
With the sunny weather holding up, work on Te Ara Tukutuku has been continuing at pace.
A trial section of the low permeability inground barrier was recently completed and early monitoring results shows it has successfully helped reduce the leaching of contamination from the site into the harbour. Drilling will resume later this week to install the remaining sections along the western edge and will continue until September.
In other good news, the clay capping works on the eastern side of the site have been completed; work to plant the bunds and stabilise the capping layer will get underway in the Spring.
Last but not least, work to install mussel ropes for the first of the in-harbour trials should also begin next month. This initiative is part of the work we are doing to restore the mauri of te Waitematā.
Work to install the mussel ropes for the first of the in-harbour trials is due to begin next month
Matariki Taimoana
Join us at Silo Park in a celebration of Matariki this July, aligning light, culture and community.
On Saturday 4 July, be there as the iconic Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge illuminate for Matariki Festival 2026. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening of music, storytelling and family friendly activities, all set against the city’s waterfront.
On Saturday 11 July, come together to honour Matariki with kai, connection and celebration by the water with a full day of family friendly fun, including live music, engaging storytelling and activities suitable for all ages.
Presented by Auckland Live and featuring events across the city centre, Matariki ki te Manawa runs from 15 June – 21 July.
Celebrate Matariki with two free family-friendly events at Silo Park these school holidays
Whai returns to the Gantry
Whai, the captivating light-based artwork by artist Janine Williams (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whātua ki te Kaipara), returns to the waterfront next month.
Inspired by the traditional Māori string game, Whai reflects the connection between ancient knowledge and contemporary innovation, evolving each season and reappearing in 2026 in a new configuration designed especially for Silo Park.
Through its intricate forms, Whai reconnects audiences with ancestral narratives while functioning as both a learning tool and a source of play. Its shifting shapes tell stories of heritage, creating a visual language that bridges cultures and brings people together.
You can check out Whai at the Gantry, Silo Park from Wednesday 1 July – Sunday 27 September.
Whai, Presented by Auckland Live in partnership with Auckland Council Public Art. Photography by David St George
Hospo Hub takes the headache out of licensing
To address what can feel like a red tape headache, Auckland Council has launched Hospo Hub, a free online portal that brings hospitality businesses to one place for guidance on requirements for topics like food registration, alcohol licensing, outdoor dining approvals, and verification requirements.
The service, which launched in March, aims to reduce regulatory burden, remove barriers to entry and make it easier for businesses to engage with council processes and is suitable for new operators, those purchasing existing hospitality businesses and established businesses that wish to make changes to their operations.
You can access Hospo Hub here.
Daldy Street Community Garden Winter gathering
Join us at the Daldy Street Community Garden winter gathering for kai and connection.
Bring along seeds or cuttings to share and enjoy a group lunch before taking part in the latest monthly workshop Tea Garden: Growing community tea plants to aid ritual, rest, and plant knowledge.
The workshop is being run in association with the Inhabit public art project, with support from Auckland Council.
When: Sunday, 19 July from 12 to 3pm.
Image supplied by Holli McEntegart: Banners created as part of Inhabit project flying over Daldy St Community Garden.
YES market returns to Karanga Plaza
Student-run businesses will be showcasing their wares at the waterfront this July, with the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) market returning to Karanga Plaza for a second year.
Run over two days, the markets will each feature around 40 small businesses created by secondary school students as part of their studies; selling everything from fudge to fragrances, board games to crocheted bees.
If you’re looking for something a little different, it’s a great opportunity to explore a range of original products and enjoy live music, all while showing your support for the next generation of business leaders.
The YES markets will be at Karanga Plaza from 11am to 1:30pm on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July.
World Drowning Prevention Day 2026
If you happen to pass by Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool on Saturday 25 July and see a group of people floating in the chilly waters, don’t panic! They’ll be there to raise awareness for World Drowning Prevention Day and encourage people to take steps to help reduce preventable deaths.
As part of the fundraising event, participants (and any willing members of the public) will be taking part in a 74-minute group float, representing lives lost in drowning accidents last year. There will also be Public Rescue Equipment demonstrations and plenty of family-friendly activities to learn from and take part in.
The event will run from 12 to 2:30pm on Saturday, 25 July. You can find out more about the event and how you can support the cause here.
Yachting returns to Jellicoe Harbour
Our friends at the North Shore Radio Yacht Squadron and the Westhaven Radio Sailing Club are returning to Jellicoe Harbour with their yachts for the second of three planned regattas on Saturday, 4 July. We encourage you to take this opportunity to come along, say hello, take in the action and learn more about the sport.
Pictures from the first Radio Controlled Yacht sailing regatta that took place at Jellicoe Harbour in May
Upcoming roadworks on Westhaven Drive
Transpower has notified us of some upcoming repair works to underground cables that will result in the partial closure of Westhaven Drive between Hobson Street and Wairau Road.
These works are scheduled to be delivered between 13 July and 16 August 2026.
The works will be located between the car park entrance adjacent to Pier R and the car park entrance adjacent to Pier Z, and Westhaven Drive will be closed to vehicles between those points for the duration of the works. Access to all buildings and businesses will remain available, though a detour may be required.
Temporary traffic and pedestrian management will be in place. Please follow detours and the directions of traffic management staff on site and use alternative routes if possible.
New signage for Wynyard Crossing Bridge
Following feedback regarding some near misses on the Wynyard Crossing Bridge, we have installed updated signage with the message to keep left and share with care.
A reminder that if you are travelling over the bridge on a scooter or bicycle, please slow down and be mindful of pedestrians.
Support your local this World Cup
World Cup fever has arrived, and many of our favourite bars and restaurants are getting into the spirit.
Why not head down to the waterfront and show your support for your local hospitality venue as well as your country (or whoever you’re cheering for), this July.
Wynyard Quarter Neighbours Forum
The next Wynyard Quarter Neighbours Forum will be on Wednesday, 26 August at the New Zealand Maritime Museum / Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa.
Keep an eye on your inbox for more information coming soon. If you’d like to be added to the list, please email YourWaterfront@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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Auckland Urban Development Office
135 Albert Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 90343, Victoria Street West,
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Ph: 09 336 8820