In the heart of West Lynn, a dedicated group of residents formed the Hakanoa Recovery Group, or HRG.

Hakanoa Resevie is bush covered area  nestled amongst residential properties and stretches between Hakanoa and Sackville streets.

A path through the middle of the reserve connects the two entrances.

People have always gathered around the Opoutukeha Stream, a place with history dating back to 1906.

HRG aren't just any residents; they are passionate about their community and the land around them, especially after flood recovery efforts left some areas vacant.

The Waitemata Local Board recognised their dedication and supported their efforts to revitalize the area with new plantings.

The HRG is focused on these key areas:

• a property at 33 Cockburn Street
• the newly vacant land nestled between Cockburn, Dryden, and Tutanekai Streets.
• the existing Hakanoa Reserve

To understand what the community truly wanted we set up a postbox in the reserve and delivered 392 postcards to homes on nearby streets.

The response was encouraging, with 105 postcards returned, a solid 27% return rate.

The data revealed a clear message.

Out of the responses, 96 people wanted to expand Hakanoa Reserve, while only 3 said no.

An even larger number, 99, wished to connect the reserve to Grey Lynn Park, envisioning a "missing link" in the Grey Lynn Greenway.

Opinions on 33 Cockburn Street were mixed, with some wanting it replaced and others repurposed, perhaps into a performance venue.

Armed with this community feedback, the HRG approached the Waitemata Local Board with specific requests. They asked that the community's voice be heard in decisions about the recovered land, that they receive ongoing information about future plans, and that they be included in the development process.

They also requested that the Local Board advocate for local decision-making flexibility, ensuring the community's vision could truly take shape.

The HRG's efforts were about more than just land; they were about preserving history, creating connections, and building a brighter future for West Lynn.