A moderate climate
As a nation of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, we share the warmth and aroha moana of the South Pacific. Auckland's temperate climate gets us outdoors nearly all year round. We’re lucky to enjoy a balanced, livable environment – not too hot, not too dry and lots of lush green spaces. In the main, our temperatures are moderate and our lives are closely tied to climate and nature.
We're getting wamer
As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, our region faces more frequent dry spells, heatwaves and even wildfire risks, which used to be less common in this part of the country. Warmer temperatures bring health risks and the possibility of invasive species. Drought also poses risks to our hydroelectricity, as well as to agriculture and food production.
Greening the city
To plan for increased heat, we’re prioritising climate-resilient urban planning, and a sustained investment in greening our city. We’re working hard to ensure our city’s galleries, libraries, community and recreation centres are fit for purpose – using renewable energy. We provide strong advice for developers to create buildings that stay cool over summer - by including features like eaves, double glazing and appropriate heat and air conditioning systems.
A comfortable future city
By acting now, we are making sure we’re future ready. We’ll have beautiful shady green spaces to enjoy with friends and whānau. Our urban and rural ngāhere will protect biodiversity and preserve our outdoor lifestyles now and for future generations.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
FEATURE STORY
Chill tactics
Ten top tips to keep cool through Auckland's changing heat
Chill tacticsHow council is responding to heat, drought & fire
Urban Ngāhere
Auckland Council’s Urban Ngāhere programme aims to increase the city’s urban tree canopy to 30% overall and at least 15% in every local board area by 2050, guided by the pillars of Knowing, Growing and Protecting.
Urban Ngāhere
Auckland Council’s Urban Ngāhere programme aims to increase the city’s urban tree canopy to 30% overall and at least 15% in every local board area by 2050, guided by the pillars of Knowing, Growing and Protecting.
Urban Ngāhere
Auckland Council’s Urban Ngāhere programme aims to increase the city’s urban tree canopy to 30% overall and at least 15% in every local board area by 2050, guided by the pillars of Knowing, Growing and Protecting.
The programme combats urban heat and reduces flooding risks by cooling neighborhoods and improving stormwater management, while also strengthening nurseries, planting partnerships, regulatory tools, data and public education.
Working closely with mana whenua, community groups, schools and volunteers, including the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the council supports native plant propagation and restoration across the city. In 2023 alone, these efforts resulted in roughly 750,000 trees planted over 18 hectares, demonstrating a strong community-driven approach.
Tree planting is growing our urban ngāhere, boosting canopy cover that provides habitat for native wildlife and strengthens our connection to nature – supporting healthier more resilient communities.
Local and regional parks
Local and regional parks in Auckland play a crucial role in building climate resilience. The city's parks network spans over 100,000 hectares of open space, biodiverse habitat, and infrastructure (like playgrounds!) that supports both people and nature.
Local and regional parks
Local and regional parks in Auckland play a crucial role in building climate resilience. The city's parks network spans over 100,000 hectares of open space, biodiverse habitat, and infrastructure (like playgrounds!) that supports both people and nature.
Local and regional parks
Local and regional parks in Auckland play a crucial role in building climate resilience. The city's parks network spans over 100,000 hectares of open space, biodiverse habitat, and infrastructure (like playgrounds!) that supports both people and nature.
Regional parks, including the Hunua and Waitākere Ranges, are important ecosystems that supply clean drinking water and support native biodiversity. These areas anchor natural resource protection and underpin our climate adaptation strategies. Parks serve as “green infrastructure”. Natural features capture and slow stormwater runoff, buffer flooding during extreme rain, and reduce urban heat, helping communities cope with a changing climate.
Climate change is also causing increased wildfire risks. We reduce these risks by removing flammable invasive species and maintaining healthy native vegetation to slow the spread of fire.
Decarbonising council assets
Auckland Council is rolling out a wide range of energy-efficiency and renewable energy upgrades across our own facilities, tailoring different solutions to different sites.
Decarbonising council assets
Auckland Council is rolling out a wide range of energy-efficiency and renewable energy upgrades across our own facilities, tailoring different solutions to different sites.
Decarbonising council assets
Auckland Council is rolling out a wide range of energy-efficiency and renewable energy upgrades across our own facilities, tailoring different solutions to different sites.
Gas boilers at community pools and leisure centres are being replaced with electric heat pumps, such as at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa in Māngere and Takapuna Pools. Solar panels are being installed on libraries, pools and community centres from Albany Stadium Pool to Freemans Bay Community Centre and Orere War Memorial Hall. Other council assets are also being decarbonised, including the Auckland Domain Winter Gardens where a new pellet boiler has replaced gas heating. Some of our projects are achieving the prestigious 5 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, acknowledging our public spaces can be financially responsible, environmentally resilient and deeply connected to community needs.
These projects demonstrate our practical, asset-by-asset approach to reducing energy use and emissions while cutting costs, making council’s libraries, halls, pools and community hubs more sustainable for the planet.