Since 2004, a lot of much-needed love and care has been expended on Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek, which at 15 kiolometre is central Auckland’s longest stream and home to its highest waterfall.
Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga / Friends of Oakley Creek have planted thousands of native trees, trapped and baited for rats, possums and stoats, and weeded incessantly. They’ve also advocated for nature along its full length from Hillsborough, where it rises in Molly Green Reserve, to the sea at Waterview where it discharges to the Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve.
There’s lots of inspiring info on their website; and devote some time to reading Kennedy Warne’s 2013 love letter to Te Auaunga in NZ Geographic.