Myers Park Underpass

About the project

We’ve upgraded the northern (city) end of the much-loved and historic Myers Park.

The project transformed the underpass area connecting Aotea Square with Myers Park from a carpark to a greener and more welcoming space. This work also improved floodwater drainage infrastructure in the area.

The Myers Park upgrade is part of a wider programme of work revitalising the midtown area and ensuring the city centre’s heart is a vibrant place people are drawn to, in preparation for a significant increase in visitors to the area when the City Rail Link’s nearby Te Waihorotiu Station opens. This work is informed by the visionary City Centre Masterplan.

The upgrade has been funded by city centre businesses and residents through the city centre targeted rate, alongside council funding including contributions from the Waitematā Local Board and Auckland Council’s Regional Public Art capital expenditure fund.

The renewal of the northern end of Myers Park is the final stage of the Waitematā Local Board’s plans for the park’s redevelopment.

What’s involved

City connectivity was upgraded with a new staircase leading to Queen Street. New design elements include lighting, seating and a timber boardwalk that help make the park an oasis in the city centre, while improved drainage infrastructure supports the existing floodwall to help future-proof the park and surrounding area for coming generations to enjoy.

Myers Park now houses 344 mature trees, including 24 newly planted natives, that provide shade, attract birds, improve air quality and absorb carbon.

Partnering with mana whenua

Through a mana whenua forum, Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Haua) and his team of talented mana whenua creatives were invited to develop an artwork which would be an expression of te ao Māori, encouraging a deeper understanding of cultural context, environment, and place.

Connecting local theatres with the park, the improved underpass now features a continuous pūhoro pattern moulded into concrete ramps. Graham Tipene says that pūhoro means ‘frictionless motion’. His double-spiral design speaks to the northern and southern hemispheres and male-female duality while re-creating the ridges that were once carved into the hulls of waka. Water would hit the ridges and form a thin layer of air, helping the vessels move faster through the ocean.

Tessa Harris (Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki) also contributed through the development of pātiki (flounder) patterning work for the new enhanced staircase reconnecting Mayoral Drive and Queen Street with the park. Pātiki once thrived in the nearby tidal area.

Graham Tipene and Tessa Harris

Waimahara springs to life with mesmerising light and sound displays in response to special waiata.

Since its launch in December 2023, Waimahara has captivated visitors with a dynamic and immersive experience, where every movement and natural element influences its captivating displays. 

You can learn more about this innovative installation here. 

Dates

The Myers Park Underpass project, including the the artwork Waimahara, was opened in December 2023, with the artwork interactivity completed in July 2024. 

Further Information

To find out more about projects happening in midtown subscribe to our regular newsletter here

You can read more about this project and other activities in Myers Park on OurAuckland

Delivered by

Auckland Council