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.
October 2025
Stage One and Two of the works have been completed and HEB Construction are working on Stage Three and Four.
The new playground is well underway behind Gringas, and the new public toilets are planned to be open by early November sometime. Also in the back area, the permanent fencing is complete and the carpark lighting on – it’s all coming together. Pedestrian access is possible to all businesses. If you’re unsure how to get to where you need to go, just ask one of the friendly traffic management team. They’re there to help, so don’t be shy!
Nightworks on Wood Street and Molesworth Drive Sunday 19 October to Tuesday 21 October (weather dependent)
The HEB Construction team will be milling out the existing asphalt and laying the new road on Wood Street, Fagan Place and Molesworth Drive. While they are working Wood Street will be closed overnight Sunday, Monday, Tuesday between 9pm and 6am, as will Molesworth Drive at the intersection to Wood Street. A short diversion will be in place via North Ave/Margaret/Findlay Street and overnight entry and exit to and from Fagan Place will be possible through the back car park. The streets will be open as normal during the day over this period, with a slower speed limit to protect the roadway.
Work on the Ellen Street roundabout is set to begin in early November, with planting in that area to follow shortly after.
Planting in the back car park is now complete, and all remaining planting along Wood Street will be finished by Labour Weekend. 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 will be celebrating the project finish with a street event planned for Thursday 20 November 4.30 – 8.30pm, in collaboration with Wood Street businesses. More information to come on this soon.
If you have any questions, email the project team at woodstreet@kaipara.govt.nz
- 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, the Council has been collaborating with the Mangawhai Business Association and community, testing layout and design to create a vibrant, unique, warm and people-friendly place. The current interim design has been in place since December 2020. Using temporary materials has 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. The permanent design for Wood Street and surrounds revitalisation and stormwater programme.
Wood Street Permanent Design
Work to construct the permanent layout began Monday 31 March 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).
