Rodney’s year ahead: new play spaces on the way for local reserves
Last Updated on August 8, 2026
Families in Rodney are set to see upgraded play spaces at several local reserves over the coming year, as part of a wider set of projects highlighted by Auckland Council as part of its outlook for the area.
Investment across three reserves so far detailed
According to the council, Te Hana Reserve will receive new and upgraded play equipment backed by almost $1 million in funding. Rautawhiri Park is set for a $1.2 million upgrade, while Waterloo Reserve has the largest allocation of the three so far named, at $3.2 million. The council's release describes these as part of a broader package of five local projects planned for Rodney, though only these three reserves and their funding figures are detailed in the material published so far.
What it means for local families
For families across Rodney, the upgrades point to continued investment in outdoor recreation spaces close to home, giving children new places to climb, swing and play without needing to travel further afield. The scale of funding, particularly the $3.2 million earmarked for Waterloo Reserve, suggests a more substantial redevelopment there compared with the smaller-scale improvements planned for Te Hana Reserve and Rautawhiri Park.
Auckland Council has not yet detailed the remaining two projects that make up its "five local projects" list for Rodney in the material released so far, nor has it confirmed timelines for when work at Te Hana Reserve, Rautawhiri Park or Waterloo Reserve will begin or be completed. Residents keen to follow progress on these upgrades will need to watch for further updates from the council as more details of the full project list become available.
Source: Auckland Council.
Photo: "Electric Telegraph Office, Lyttelton" by Archives New Zealand, CC BY 2.0, via Openverse.
