For HOOPLA, opening up neighbourhood spaces to the wider public, and working with local clubs and groups is a way to bring about ‘ultra-local’ connections. On March 13th 2020 we hosted our first guided kayak tour exploring the often overlooked and difficult to access spaces of the Te Whau awa. 

Leaving from Archibald Park, Kelston, we travelled to Waimarmaru (the sheltered place) and crossed under the Ash Street bridge, alongside Rizal Reserve, under the Great North Road and towards Olympic Park. On this once well-travelled route we observed spaces of industry, home life, business, community groups, parks, rail, road and other infrastructure; all intersecting with the long and important social and cultural history and ecology of the river. 

Focused on building relationships and understanding in support of improving the environment in and around this river, the event was supported by Auckland Sea Kayaks and funded by Healthy Waters and the Whau Local Board as part of the Whau Wildlink, which aims to link habitats and communities between the Whau to the Waitākere Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf islands in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Photos by Michelle Ardern