More than 15% of local footpaths are missing or broken

I frequently hear from local residents that they're frustrated with the state of our local roads and footpaths. Too many footpaths are cracked, raised, or missing, making getting around challenging and unsafe. As transport returns to Auckland Council on 1 October, I am very concerned that we will be burdened with more failing and missing assets without funding or a plan to address the issues.

So I asked Auckland Transport (AT) for information on our footpaths and local roads. In response to my request, AT arranged a footpath workshop with the Howick Local Board which we had last week.

The full presentation is available here: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12293/104190?type=2&docId=52047

The total footpath length for the Howick Local Board is approximately 548km. Of this, 344 km (63%) has footpaths are on both side, 149.5 km (27%) on one side while the remaining 54.6km (10%) has no footpaths at all.

Every two years the footpaths are independently condition rated to assess their current state/condition. Based on faults found, footpaths are given a condition rating from 1 (new) to 5 (very poor) - the focus for repairs is on condition 4 and 5.

Grade 4 – Poor condition, failure is likely in the short term. Dangerous with significant risk. Large cracks, displacements, bad ponding, widespread damage
Grade 5 - Very poor condition. Failed, dangerous, serious impact on asset performance, H&S issues. Temporary repairs are required now before the total renewal of the footpaths.

The latest assessment in our area was carried out in 2025/26 and showed that 24.9km (4.5%) of footpaths were in poor or very poor condition. They also rely on reports from elected members and the public.

Repairs include clearing of debris, asphalt ramps, patch repairs, and/or concrete grinding. For smaller sections (less than 10m), the focus is on the section in worst condition. Full length replacements will be
considered when >75% of the footpath is in poor or very poor condition. Tree roots are a common problem, which requires input from an arborist. Options include mesh-reinforced concrete, root cutting, replacement with asphalt footpath or even tree removal (where Council permits).

New footpaths generally wait for the developer to install, so they can consider driveways and utilities. It's very cost effective, but can mean there are gaps in the network for years. I raised the example of the gap on Chapel Road between Accent Drive and St Lukes, used by school children every day. We've been told this section will be developed soon, but in my four years on the local board nothing has happened. Two years ago we installed a temporary gravel footpath which has helped, but it's deteriorating and needs permanent solution.

Staff were very open and candid around the challenges they face, which I appreciate. It was clear from our conversations that the main barrier to getting our footpaths up to standard is the lack of funding. Currently the budget is allocated regionally (as AT has always operated regionally) but it's unclear if this is being addressed in the change to Auckland Council. We've been told that funding remains as is for this financial year (ending June 2027) but we may see some changes in the following years - I'll be advocating for greater budget for footpath construction and repairs.

In the meantime, please continue to log issues with footpaths with Auckland Transport - these do get captured and help priortise the work. Online: www.contact.at.govt.nz or via phone: 09 355 3553.

See my earlier post laying out some of the issues I've heard from the community.