Kia ora koutou,
It’s almost a wrap on winter, and while we’ve been enjoying some crisp, clear, sunny days, we’re already looking forward to spring.
There’s lots to see and do on the waterfront this month, with a brand-new exhibition opening at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the return of the unique dining experience, Dock and Dine, and a full-scale theatrical production of the Shakespeare classic, Macbeth, on show at the ASB Theatre.
In this edition, you can read the latest news about Te Ara Tukutuku in-harbour marine trials and there’s also a quick update on a potential plan change for the Wynyard Precinct that is currently being prepared by the council.
Ngā mihi nui,
Your Waterfront Team
Te Ara Tukutuku in-harbour marine trials take root
At the end of July, ropes and floats were deployed into Te Waitematā at Wynyard Point, marking the start of the first phase of Te Ara Tukutuku in-harbour marine trials.
Along with green gravel, a mix of small rocks seeded with microscopic kelp, the ropes will provide a place for juvenile seaweed to grow.
The seaweed, which was successfully cultivated from broodstock taken from the waters around Wynyard Point and grown at a nearby hatchery, has been reintroduced into the harbour as part of efforts to restore the mauri (life force) of Te Waitematā.
You can read more about this important work here.
Ropes and floats have been installed at the northern end of Wynyard Point as part of a trial designed to find the best conditions for seaweed to grow in Te Waitematā
Potential Plan Change for Wynyard Precinct
Auckland Council is currently preparing a potential plan change relating to the Wynyard Precinct in the Auckland Unitary Plan.
The purpose is to support the continued redevelopment of the Wynyard Precinct by carrying out a comprehensive review of the precinct provisions.
Aspects that will be considered include the realignment of development sites and the waterfront park in Wynyard Point, changes to some built-form standards including removing Floor Area Ratio and increasing maximum building heights, updating provisions relating to hazardous industry following their exit from the area and seeking to enable, where appropriate, temporary activities and events.
Before proceeding to public notification, the council is required to seek approval from the Minister responsible for RMA Reforms for a plan stop exemption. This application is currently being prepared.
If you’d like more information, please email mailto:wynyardprecinctplanchange@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
From Westhaven to the world: Auckland dragon boating builds international connections
For many Auckland paddlers, Westhaven Marina is home. It’s where teams train, new paddlers first experience the sport, and visitors enjoy paddling on the Waitematā Harbour with the Harbour Bridge and Auckland skyline as the backdrop. It is also home to the Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA).
Following the visit of Guangzhou's Liede Dragon Boat Team to the 2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Dragon Boat Regatta, ADBA representatives recently travelled to Guangzhou and Zhuhai, taking Auckland's dragon boating community to the international stage for the first time. The visit was part of the Auckland Sport and Cultural Exchange Delegation, which aims to strengthen relationships with dragon boating organisations and civic leaders in southern China.
Read more about the team’s visit to China here.
Guangzhou's Liede Dragon Boat Team visited Auckland earlier this year
Developer Deep Dive: Wynyard Quarter
In latest episode of the “A City of Neighbourhoods” podcast, Scott Pritchard, CEO Precinct Properties, Mark McGuinness, Chair Willis Bond and Richard Aitken, GM Fu Wah New Zealand, reflect on what has made the Wynyard Quarter one of New Zealand’s most successful urban regeneration projects.
They speak about what attracted them to be involved in the development of the precinct from the early stages, and what lessons can be applied to similar regeneration projects across the country. You can listen to the episode on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dock, Dine & Discover Auckland's Best Food Scene
This August, Auckland Central Marina is partnering with Auckland Restaurant Month to bring you Dock & Dine – a unique waterfront dining experience for food-loving boaties.
Bring your own boat, enjoy a special overnight berth rate, and savour dishes from some of Auckland's top eateries against the backdrop of the Waitematā Harbour. Whether it's a casual meal or a special night out, Dock & Dine is the perfect excuse to make a weekend of it. Bookings are now open.
Our Ocean of Islands
The New Zealand Maritime Museum’s latest landmark exhibition, Our Ocean of Islands, brings together the Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices of 24 Moana Oceania island nations. Through stories, cultural treasures and creative expressions shared by knowledge holders from across the region, visitors can explore the connections between people, land, sea and sky.
Come along on opening weekend and enjoy Indigenous knowledge panel discussions, gallery talks with exhibition contributors, whānau-friendly creative activities, vibrant waterfront activations, and opportunities to meet some of the voices behind the exhibition.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 15 August and entry is free.
Last chance to see Macbeth for less at the ASB Theatre
A poisoned prophecy. A blood-soaked crown. A kingdom lost and won. Macbeth is the timeless tale of a couple undone by a corrupting lust for power.
This is Shakespeare with all the trimmings: a full-scale set of a filthy and dripping underground world, an evocative soundscape featuring bagpipes, luscious costumes, incredible performers and uniquely terrifying witches.
Be sure to catch this powerhouse theatrical production of the timeless classic at the ASB Theatre before 22 August. But get in quick - tickets are selling fast! Book online and use promocode HALSEYSTREET for 15 per cent off*.
*Applies to Adult or Senior tickets in A and B Reserve only. Discount applied at cart.
Dye flower workshops at Daldy Street gardens
In the latest iteration of the Inhabit art programme, Nekehanga, taiao practitioner Charmaine Bailie (Te Uri o Hau – Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara) and artist Holli McEntegart will be growing dye plants in the Daldy Street community gardens and offering a series of monthly workshops that will explore te taiao and natural dyeing practices.
With creativity, connection and intergenerational knowledge sharing at the fore – these workshops present an opportunity to co-create public art, while addressing the importance of sustainable practices and connection to place.
The workshops will be hands on, playful and a little messy! Be sure to wear clothes you’re happy to get colourful.
The first workshop focuses on Indigo dye plants and will take place on Saturday 12 September, from 1-3pm. Please register online.
The workshop will run alongside an immersive exhibition that opens in Silo6 on 4 September.
Your Big Backyard 2026
Bring the whānau along to the waterfront’s annual Your Big Backyard celebration – a free, fun-filled day out celebrating play, movement, and connection along the water’s edge.
Join the fun on Saturday 5 September from 10am-2pm at Silo Park in the Wynyard Quarter.
Celebrating 50 years of Porsche in New Zealand
More than 220 Porsches will be on display at the Viaduct Events Centre this September, in celebration of Porsche New Zealand turning 50!
The main attraction on the day will be the first commemorative Porsche ever created just for New Zealand. A limited run 911 GT3 Touring, this spectacular car is finished in Paint to Sample Yachting Blue as a nod to Aotearoa’s sailing heritage. Just five will ever be made, one for each decade Porsche has been in the country.
You’ll also have the rare opportunity to see a genuine piece of motorsport history - a Porsche 917 'Kurzheck', flown in specially from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart for the occasion. Cars like this rarely leave the museum, let alone travel to the other side of the world, so if you’re a car lover, be sure not to miss it.
Join the celebration from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, 20 September at the Viaduct Events Centre. Entry is free
Note: Please be aware that there will be additional traffic around Jellicoe Street before 10am and after 2pm as the cars arrive and depart Halsey Wharf.
One of the limited edition 911 GT3 Touring cars, designed and produced to celebrate 50 years of Porsche New Zealand
Take a Pause this September
Take time to Pause next month – a free immersive exhibition exploring ancestry, connection, and the value of life coming to Silo6 in September.
With ceramic works and mixed-media installations by Erica Soria (Ayni Artisans), visitors are invited to move through the space at their own pace, reflecting on lineage, memory, and future generations. Designed as a calm and contemplative experience, the exhibition encourages meaningful connection, awareness, and hope through quiet engagement with the artwork.
Pause is on at Silo 6 from 17-20 September between 12 - 6pm
Congratulations to Baduzzi
2026 is turning out to be a great year for our friends at Baduzzi. Having already been named in this year’s Iconic Auckland Eats list, they have since been included in the inaugural New Zealand Michelin Guide – a recognition of culinary excellence.
That's it, you're up to date
If you do not wish to receive the Your Waterfront newsletter, please let us know by selecting unsubscribe.
What did you think of today's newsletter? Tell us what you'd like to see more of by emailing yourwaterfront@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Auckland Urban Development Office
135 Albert Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 90343, Victoria Street West,
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Ph: 09 336 8820