Oakley Creek facts for kids

In the northern parts, closer to the Waitematā Harbour, the creek is relatively unmodified, though water quality is still degraded.

Slightly further south, the Oakley Creek waterfall

The rock-lined upper channel of the stream

Oakley Creek, also known by its Māori name Te Auaunga, is a special stream located in Auckland, New Zealand. Even though much of it runs through busy suburban areas, it's home to some really important natural features. One of the most amazing is Auckland's only natural waterfall, which is also the biggest one in the city!

Exploring Oakley Creek's Natural Beauty

The most natural parts of Oakley Creek are found between Blockhouse Bay Road and the Waitematā Harbour. Here, the creek still flows mostly in its original path. You can enjoy a lovely walkway that follows a big part of the creek. This area is also very important historically. Māori people used the creek to travel inland, and you can still find signs of their old landing spots and settlements.

Friends of Oakley Creek: Helping the Stream

A dedicated group called "Friends of Oakley Creek" works hard to protect and improve the stream. Their main goal is to bring the creek back to a more natural state. They also want to make the water cleaner and healthier for plants and animals.

Challenges Oakley Creek Faces

The creek faces some big challenges. One concern is how the Waterview Connection motorway project affects the stream. Another problem is pollution from the surrounding city. Metals like zinc, copper, and lead can wash into the water. Also, a large culvert (a tunnel for water) under Great North Road makes it hard for fish to swim up and down the creek.

Bringing the Creek Back to Life

Because many people care about Oakley Creek, special guidelines were created to help restore it. These plans aimed to remove the old, rock-lined channels that made the stream too narrow. They also focused on bringing back the natural riparian margins. These are the areas along the banks with native plants.

Success Stories and Future Growth

Auckland Council has used these guidelines to plant many native trees and plants along the creek. Even though a drought in 2019/2020 caused some plants to die, the new plantings are growing well. More and more native birds are now visiting the area, which is a great sign! The walkway along the stream has become a popular spot for local people to walk and relax. This project shows how important it is for communities to work together to protect and restore nature.