Simson Park plan kicks into the final round

Simson Park in Moerewa has long been a place where locals and visitors come together for sports, recreation, and community connection. Now, after months of kōrero and collaboration, the final draft of the Simson Park Reserve Management Plan is ready for community feedback.

The council is also proposing to formally classify a small area of reserve land on Leaity Street, next to Simson Park Hall, as a Recreation Reserve. This change would officially recognise how the space is already used by the community and allow greater flexibility for future use.

Over the past year, the council has worked alongside rangatahi, mana whenua, local sports clubs, and community groups to gather ideas on how the park can best work for those who use it. The draft reserve management plan reflects that input, focusing on upgrades that support sports and recreation while creating welcoming spaces for whānau and tamariki.

The proposed plan includes four full-sized winter sports fields, upgraded multi-purpose courts, space for shared clubrooms, and improved walking, biking, and scootering paths. There’s also a focus on enhancing informal recreation areas, adding trees, seating, and family-friendly features.

Community board member Roddy Pihema says the kōrero from locals has guided every part of the plan.

“Simson Park is part of who we are,” Roddy says. “It’s where our tamariki play, where our whānau gather, and where our manaakitanga is seen. This plan is about looking after that for the next generation.”

Submissions on the final draft plan and the reserve classification proposal are open for two months, closing on 17 December 2025.

You can have your say by completing the short online survey on our consultation page, visiting any of our service centres and filling in a hard copy survey, or letting us know if you’d like to speak at a hearing [link to email] to share your views in person.