Mangakahia Sports Complex carpark upgrade update

Published on 26 August 2026

This ‘before’ photo shows the original carpark in need of upgrading.

The Mangakahia Sports Complex carpark upgrade project has been tracking well through the winter months, with 80% of work completed as expected. A recent inspection, however, uncovered some unexpected drainage issues, which has led to the need for more testing and a seasonal delay in the seal programme. 

Whangarei District Council project lead Harsheel Patel says it's important for the drainage work to be completed and reassessed before sealing to help ensure a long-lasting result for this much-anticipated upgrade.

"Our contractors will be completing a basecourse surface to create a usable carpark over winter, with the final chip seal programmed for March 2027. This will allow for drainage / basecourse testing to take place before the final seal, while offering a usable carpark for the community during the winter months," says Patel.

"Parking bays will be marked on the basecourse surface to help create a safer, more organised parking area and discourage inappropriate vehicle use. Once we have addressed the drainage issues, we will complete the full seal. The final seal programme is timed to avoid disruption during the popular Mangakahia Summer Festival."

The upgrade will transform the existing unsealed gravel carpark into a safer, more accessible and more functional space, including clearly marked parking areas and accessible parking that meets current standards.

Looking ahead, we are also planning a drainage improvement project at Mangakahia Sports Complex next year. While this is a separate project, the work may help improve overall stormwater management across the site.

We thank the local community for their patience as these final drainage matters are being worked through. We look forward to delivering a carpark that will better serve everyone who uses the Mangakahia Sports Complex.

Read more about the project: 

Mangakahia Sports Complex carpark