We have lift off! We started construction of the permanent upgrade of Wood Street and surrounds from Monday 31 March 2025.
The work includes upgrading the stormwater network as well as constructing the permanent design for Wood Street, the old fire station site and the back carparking area and playground (behind Gringas). Our contractors for this project are HEB Construction.
November 2025
HEB Construction are busy working on the Ellen Street roundabout, with planting in that area to follow shortly after.
The team are working overnight on Thursday 13 November (deferred from earlier in the week and weather dependent) between 9pm and 6am to complete asphalting on Ellen Street and Wood Street. During this time Ellen Street will be closed and Wood Street will be closed at Molesworth Drive. A stop/go operation will be in place on Wood Street and Ellen Street to allow resident access only. The streets will be open as normal during the day.
The rest of the planting has been completed. The trees, shrubs, and plants have been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in coastal conditions and withstand drought. Many will bring vibrant colour to the area so keep an eye out for striking pōhutukawa varieties like Māori Princess and Tahiti, as well as Pink Cascade mānuka. Near the new playground, we’re introducing a range of sensory plants including lavender, Mexican bush sage, stonecrop, and more, to enhance the experience for children and their whānau.
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to improve Wood Street. Mark your diaries! We're working towards a November completion and are celebrating the project finish with a street event on Thursday 20 November 4.30 – 8.30pm, in collaboration with Wood Street businesses.
If you have any questions, email the project team at woodstreet@kaipara.govt.nz
- Wood Street e-newsletter 11 November 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 24 October 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 14 October 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 1 September 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 10 July 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 18 June 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 16 May 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 29 April 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 23 April 2025
- Wood Street e-newsletter 2 April 2025
Background
In September 2019 the Mangawhai Business Association approached Kaipara District Council, to address issues relating to high levels of congestion, traffic issues, and pedestrian safety around Wood Street.
Since then, council has collaborated with the Mangawhai Business Association and community, testing layout and design to create a vibrant, unique, warm and people-friendly place. An interim design was in place from December 2020 through to March 2025. Using temporary materials allowed features to be tweaked and changed throughout the testing period, informed by community and business feedback, vehicle data, and regular monitoring.
The project team have continued to meet with individual landowners, business operators, impacted residents and the Mangawhai Business Association to clarify the final technical layout, identify public and private boundary lines and make sure that due consideration is given to concerns or opportunities presented such as upgrading of premises/loading zones/deliveries.
Wood Street Permanent Design
Work to construct the permanent layout started Monday 31 March 2025 and will be completed November 2025.
See all artist impression images of Wood Street and surrounds (PDF 14.6MB).
See the staging plans for Wood Street and surrounds (PDF 7MB).
