
Flood Zone: Safeguarding Avondale's Future
The Avondale Racecourse plays a critical role in protecting our neighbourhoods from flood damage during severe storms. During Cyclone Gabrielle, dramatic footage captured water pouring off the racecourse into neighbouring homes - a stark warning of what unchecked development could worsen.
Located on a floodplain, the racecourse currently acts as both a dam and a sponge, absorbing excess rainfall and slowing floodwaters that would otherwise inundate homes and streets. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, this natural function becomes even more vital.

Surface Flooding During Gabrielle
Video credit: Sandra Maclean

Run off to Tamora Lane



The Wingate ditch runs parallel with the back of the racecourse 1800, start at the Mainstreet end of Wingate St and empties into the Avondale Reserve flood reservoir.
From there it is piped underground across Wingate street and the flood waters then drain into the Whau River.
During dry weather looking towards the Wingate Reserve reservoir. And right, as it fills up in storm conditions.
Photo Credit: Janet Charman
The Wingate Ditch
What’s at Stake?
Rezoning the racecourse for intensive housing, without full accountability and climate-conscious planning, risks worsening flood hazards for the surrounding community. Any development must prove it won’t:
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Compromise the land’s flood-buffering capacity
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Increase runoff through impermeable surfaces
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Threaten neighbouring homes with greater flood risk
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Further reduce access to green space in a suburb already lacking parks and reserves
This isn’t just about water - it’s about responsible urban planning in a high-risk environment.
Designing for People, Not Profit
Unitec students have already shown what's possible. Their design concepts envision beautiful boardwalks and wetlands integrated into new developments - using nature to mitigate flooding while creating usable public spaces. This is the kind of thinking Avondale needs: innovative, community-focused, and environmentally sound.
What We Expect
We call on Auckland Council to:
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Independently commission whole-of-site flood and geotechnical assessments
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Share transparent, science-based evidence with the public before rezoning
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Reject speculative, high-density proposals that sideline due diligence
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Ensure any developer proves their plans will not increase hazard risks or reduce climate resilience
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Acknowledge that Council - and therefore ratepayers - will ultimately bear the cost of mitigating flood disasters if poor planning decisions are made now
Development should not come at the cost of safety. Avondale deserves careful planning that respects both people and place.
