In 2024, we stood up for the Onehunga Lagoon, and you showed up in a big way.
I launched a petition to save the lagoon and protect it for future generations. I met with Council officials, the Mayor of Auckland and members of the Local Board to push for action. More than 1,700 of you signed that petition and made it clear this place matters.
Because of that pressure, we got movement. Healthy Waters agreed to test the water, and the results confirmed contamination at levels that support the case for dredging. That only happened because Onehunga spoke with one voice.
But we’re not finished yet.
Everyone agrees the lagoon needs to be dredged. The sediment build-up is holding it back from being the thriving, active space it once was. The only thing standing in the way now is funding.
While the final costings are still being confirmed, early indications suggest it could be over a million dollars. That’s a significant investment, and unless we make some noise, it risks slipping down the priority list.
So I need your help again.
We’re calling on Auckland Council to include funding for the dredging of the Onehunga Lagoon in the Long Term Plan 2027. This is where Council sets its 10-year budget and makes tough calls about what gets funded and what doesn’t. If we want this project prioritised, we need to show that it matters.
This is about returning the lagoon to its former glory. It’s about more kids being able to get out on the water. It’s about families enjoying the space safely. It’s about protecting a unique local asset that makes Onehunga special.
Council needs to know what matters most to our community so they can prioritise the right things when making difficult spending decisions. Your support will be an important part of that conversation - sign your name below!