Update on Stage 2 of The Parade, Bucklands Beach
Since 2014, the Howick Local Board (HLB) has been working with Auckland Transport (AT) on safety improvements for The Parade, Bucklands Beach.
Stage 1 of The Parade was delivered in September 2024 with the installation of a concrete raised pedestrian crossing near Laings Road and three speed humps between Laings Road and Whitcombe Road.
Stage 2 proposed changes to six sites identified as needing attention by the public, local board, and/or traffic survey. This went for public consultation in July 2025 with over 500 letters delivered to local residents plus online marketing. 24 responses were received with 50% (12 responses) in support, 33% (8 responses) against and 17% (4 responses) neutral.
Changes were made to the design as a result of the feedback and in September 2025 the Howick Local Board provided approval to deliver 4 of the 6 sites (not 23 or 55 The Parade). In March 2026, some members of the Howick Local Board asked to revoke the approval for two of these sites (Devon Rd and 41 The Parade).
As a result, the following will be delivered by AT:
🚧Wharf Road / The Parade intersection - new pedestrian zebra crossing markings on existing raised platform, along with signage, lighting, and vegetation pruning.
🚧Laings Road intersection - clearer road markings and signage to further alert motorists of the horizontal bend, along with high friction surface on the downhill approach and the horizontal bend.
Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and AT will ensure local residents are informed of the confirmed start dates and construction impacts.
For the record, I voted for all six sites to be delivered in line with community feedback and public safety. I voted against the reversal of the two sites in line with community feedback, public safety, and waste of public money. While I'm pleased that there will be some improvements, I'm disappointed that after a decade of discussion and a lot of public money, we didn't deliver enough of what the community wanted - safer access to the beach.
You can find out more about the project here: https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/the-parade-bucklands-beach-pedestrian-improvements-stage-2