Precedent:
Colin Maiden

The acquisition of Colin Maiden Park by Auckland Council in 2014 sets a clear precedent for how Council can - and should - act to protect large green spaces like the Avondale Racecourse.

 

Key facts

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• Size & Location: 20-hectare sports and recreation complex in St Johns.

• Ownership transfer: Formerly owned by the University of Auckland; purchased by Auckland Council in 2014 for $60.7 million.

• Purpose: Secured to prevent sale for housing or private development and to keep it in public ownership for community benefit.

 

Community & political leadership

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• Mayor Len Brown called the acquisition “one of the most significant urban park acquisitions in Auckland’s history.”

• Councillor Christine Fletcher (Chair, Parks, Recreation & Sport) advocated strongly, describing it as “an incredible 44-hectare sports and open space complex for Auckland.”

• Desley Simpson (Ōrākei Local Board Chair) reflected community relief that the park was saved from possible development.

 

Process & planning

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• The Council made an unconditional agreement to buy the land and transferred it to the Local & Sports Parks portfolio.

• A Master Plan was developed with local input, setting out a long-term vision for a regional-quality sports precinct.

• Despite the high cost and funding challenges, the purchase was prioritised because of overwhelming public support.

 

Ongoing investment

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• Council and partners (e.g. Auckland Hockey Facilities Trust) continue to invest in the park, adding new facilities and upgrading fields.

• Major projects now underway include cricket oval redevelopment and a new high-performance training facility — further proof of Council’s commitment to long-term community benefit.

 

Why this matters for Avondale Racecourse

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• Colin Maiden Park shows that Council can act boldly to protect strategic open space, even when faced with high costs.

• Community pressure was key: strong public demand kept the land from being lost to development.

• The precedent is clear: if Auckland Council could purchase Colin Maiden Park to protect it for future generations, it can do the same with the Avondale Racecourse.

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