Events

Where are the streams of Grey Lynn? What are their names?…

During the anniversary weekend floods they were all too visible as floodwaters inundated homes, but for most of the time they go unseen – underground or tucked away. With the accelerating effects of climate change they are likely to make their presence felt again and again.

Join us for a guided hīkoi as we trace the upper section of the hidden awa in Grey Lynn know as Ōpoutūkeha / Cox’s Creek. Get a taste for how the area might have looked before everything was moved underground and explore how water moves through our community.

We will also talk about ongoing habitat restoration work in the area and exploring how changes to the environment could have a positive effect on the impact of climate change, native biodiversity and community connectedness. The hīkoi will take around 1- 1.5hours with frequent stops, the end point will be Grey Lynn Park.

Meet: on the corner of Pollen Street and Great North Road, (79 Great North Road, Grey Lynn)

Please register for the event here.

This event is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2026 - Tastes of Tāmaki: A Heritage Feast

This project is generously supported by Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Team.

Join us for a weeding bee as we team up with STEPS (St Lukes Environmental Protection Society) to support their restoration efforts of Waitītiko / Meola Creek!

We’ll be weeding at Watea Reserve, which sits on an overland flow path that heads into the awa (stream). This area is boggy and prone to flooding in heavy rain. Weeding this site will help the native plants we put in the ground last month.

Native plants will help slow flood waters down and stop excess sediment from washing into the waterway, and act like natural filters. They soak up nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that wash off our streets during rain. Without plants to capture them, these nutrients can enter the awa and harm the native creatures that live there, as well as reduce overall water quality.

Flooding is a natural process and it isn’t going anywhere. It is also becoming more frequent with changes in climate. However, we can make space for water and work towards restoring the balance between people and water.

Recreating natural habitats that allow water to breathe or flow as it should do are an important step in this and in building our overall flood resilience.

Please register so we know how much gear and kai to bring, see you there!

Group: STEPS

Regular, monthly working bee. Check out our Facebook page for details https://www.facebook.com/OakleyCreek

Group: Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga Friends of Oakley Creek

Ever wondered what comes alive when the sun goes down? Join us for a free night‑time hīkoi tracing part of Waitītiko / Meola Creek — and meet the creatures who call this awa home after dark.

We’re teaming up with Mountains To Sea Conservation Trust and STEPS to explore the hidden night world of Chamberlain Park. As we wander along the awa, we’ll listen for calls, look for movement, and discover the wildlife that thrives when the rest of the city sleeps.

You’ll also hear from STEPS about their mahi to boost water quality, restore native habitat, and strengthen flood readiness for the whole community. We will cover the restoration work Chamberlain Park Restoration Group have been up to as well. It’s a chance to experience the awa in a new way while learning how local action makes a real difference.

Please register so we know how much gear and kai to bring. Please also bring a head torch if you have one.

Meet: just inside Chamberlain Park at the end of Sutherland Rod, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1025.

Please note: the walk takes place at night and includes uneven surfaces, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs or very young children. A moderate level of fitness and good balance are recommended. No dogs.

Groups: STEPS, Chamberlain Conservation Group

Urban Ark host quarterly guest talks on environmental conservation topics and we are excited to have environmental consultant Dr Len Gillman lined up for our October event at the wonderful Mt Eden Village Centre.

Len will be discussing how urban and rural environments around the globe have increasingly become dominated by ‘alien’ plant species, to the point where entire landscapes risk becoming homogenised. He will explore the impacts this has on both native biodiversity and our sense of place. We’ll round out the discussion with a few specific examples of exotic pest plant species which impact native habitat patches in Mt Eden and the wider Auckland area.

Venue: Mt Eden Village Centre, 449 Mt Eden Road.

Spaces are limited and we’ll be providing refreshments after the talk, so please register here.