Freeland Reserve
We’ve transformed Freeland Reserve into a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of Roskill South. What was once a simple greenspace is now a beautiful park that also supports and protects us.
A reserve rebuilt to protect us
Our two-year project brought three things together: nature, culture and smart design.
At its core, Freeland Reserve was rebuilt to manage water and reduce flood risk. But our park is much more than infrastructure – it’s a place to relax, connect, and explore.
Over two years, we upgraded Freeland Reserve so our community could enjoy new features like:
- Wide, paved walkways and shared paths
- Footbridges and viewing platforms over the wetland
- Seating, bike racks, and a barbeque area for gatherings
- Native planting throughout the reserve
- Public art and storyboards that reflect local history and culture
Our upgraded park has a wetland and natural planting, which both work with modern engineering to hold and treat rainwater before it flows downstream.
It wasn’t long after reopening that the work here showed its worth. During severe weather in January 2023, our park held and drained water safely, protecting nearby homes from the risk of flooding.
Our work here – by the numbers
Take a look at some of the key metrics that made this project a success.
Restoring Freeland Reserve took a lot of people and hard work. Here’s some of what went into the project, and what will come out of it:
- More than two years of planning and construction
- 18 months of activity on site
- 100+ native trees planted
- About 8,000 plants added to support biodiversity and water treatment
- Three new floodwalls built to help protect our homes
- Thousands of cubic metres of stormwater managed naturally through the wetland system
- About two thirds of Roskill South supported by the reserve’s stormwater treatment system
- 13 iwi involved in creating Te Auaunga tohu (cultural marker)
- Four students who helped with our storytelling displays
- 500+ people came to the community opening celebration
- 23 community groups were involved in opening day festivities