Community Resilience Network
Follow us. Stay prepared.
Our social media feeds are an invaluable resource for getting the best disaster resilience info, news & events in the Papakura District.
Would you like to see more "low-mow" areas locally?![]()
We're used to seeing parks and reserves with neatly mown grass, but what if some areas were mown less often?![]()
![]()
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is experimenting with "no-mow" and "low-mow" areas, where selected lawns are left to grow longer or are only mown once or twice a year. The aim is to support insects, birds and other wildlife, reduce carbon emissions from mowing, and create more diverse, resilient green spaces. ![]()
![]()
It's not about letting every park grow wild. Instead, it's about choosing the right places that are less-used where nature can flourish, while still keeping sports fields, playgrounds and popular recreation spaces well maintained.![]()
![]()
Of course, it's not without debate. Some people love the more natural look, while others prefer tidy, closely mown parks. From a resilience perspective, lush green spaces can support biodiversity and help soak up rainwater.![]()
![]()
💬 What do you think? More low-mow public spaces or do you prefer the traditional mown look?![]()
#PapakuraCRN #Papakura #CommunityResilience #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #HealthyParks #NatureBasedSolutions
Mangroves…are they a problem, or part of the solution?![]()
![]()
Mangroves are one of the most debated features of Auckland's coast. Some people value them for protecting our environment, while others see them as changing our estuaries, blocking views or making it harder to access the water.![]()
![]()
The interesting thing is that both perspectives have some truth.![]()
![]()
Mangroves provide important habitat for fish, birds and crabs, help reduce coastal erosion, trap sediment, and store significant amounts of carbon. As sea levels rise and storms become more intense, they can also help buffer our shorelines.![]()
![]()
But many people are frustrated by how quickly mangroves have spread into areas they remember as open mudflats or sandy estuaries.![]()
![]()
What we sometimes don't realise is that mangrove expansion is a symptom rather than the cause of the problem. Increased sediment washing down from our catchments creates the conditions that allow mangroves to spread. Simply removing mangroves doesn't address the source of that sediment, and research suggests it doesn't necessarily restore estuaries to what they once were.![]()
![]()
💬 #PapakuraCRNt#papakuraa#CommunityResilience##healthyharboursn#ClimateResiliences#NatureBasedSolutionsNatureBasedSolutions
🌱💚 750 new plants, 34 volunteers and a more connected community….![]()
![]()
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the recent Ōpaheke Park community planting, where volunteers planted 750 native plants across two sites in just one hour.![]()
![]()
The planting brought community volunteers together with Papakura Local Board reps, our local Community Park Ranger, New Zealand Biosecurity Services, and our friends at Sustainable Papakura, who coordinated registrations and fed everyone with a post-planting BBQ.![]()
![]()
Native plants help stabilise slopes, improve biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, capture carbon and contribute to healthier waterways. ![]()
Well done to everyone involved in making Ōpaheke Park greener and more resilient for us into the future 🌿![]()
#PapakuraCRN #papakura #CommunityResilience #SustainablePapakura #papakuralocalboard #nativeplanting #healthyparks #ClimateResilience
New York City has announced a $43.2 million investment to expand its Bureau of Coastal Resilience - strengthening flood protection, improving emergency planning, and preparing communities for the impacts of climate change.![]()
![]()
Watch the Reel: [www.instagram.com/reel/DbMkmy1xG3Y/?igsh=MXJwdDFudjdpeTg0cg==](www.instagram.com/reel/DbMkmy1xG3Y/?igsh=MXJwdDFudjdpeTg0cg==)![]()
![]()
It's a powerful reminder that resilience isn't something you build after a disaster, it's something you invest in before one happens.![]()
![]()
Here in Papakura, we're working towards the same goal. Through our flood resilience workshops, Community Emergency Hubs, Street Meets, and our upcoming flood preparedness card game, we're helping build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods that are better prepared for emergencies.![]()
![]()
While projects like this happen on a city-wide scale, community resilience starts at the local level. Knowing your risks, having a plan, and looking out for your neighbours can make all the difference#CommunityResiliencee#FloodPreparednessl#papakurao#neighbourhoodsupportu#ClimateResilienceu#EmergencyPreparednessc#CommunityEmergencyHubss#bepreparedEmergencyHubs #BePrepared
It's hard to believe that just over three years ago Auckland experienced the devastating storms and flooding over Anniversary weekend and with Cyclone Gabrielle.![]()
![]()
A new recovery report talks about what was learned. One of the biggest messages is that preparing before disasters happen is far better than recovering afterwards. The report highlights the need for strong infrastructure, good flood information, smart planning, and (very importantly) communities that know and support each other.![]()
![]()
For wider Papakura, it's a good reminder that every Street Meet, Community Emergency Hub, planting day, workshop, our network of community groups and neighbourhood connections, all help build-us-up to be better prepared for whatever the future m#PapakuraCRNa#CommunityResilienceR#papakura #StrongerTogethererTogether
⏰ Last chance to have your say!![]()
Feedback on the draft Papakura Local Board Plan closes tonight at midnight. If you haven't already shared your thoughts, there's still time. akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/local-board-plans-2026/papakura-local-board-plan-2026/ ![]()
![]()
From a resilience perspective, it's encouraging to see the draft plan place a much stronger emphasis on emergency preparedness and climate resilience than previous plans. It includes commitments to:![]()
- Support climate initiatives![]()
- Improve resilience to flooding and severe weather![]()
- Strengthen community connections![]()
- Restore the natural environment![]()
- Support education programmes![]()
- Recognise the valuable contribution of community organisations, including the Papakura Community Resilience Network (CRN).![]()
![]()
There's also an opportunity to go a bit further - to include more support to develop community emergency hubs, enable ongoing volunteer training and long-term partnership that builds local capability.![]()
Have your say before submiss#PapakuraCRNo#papakuraa#CommunityResilience##ClimateResiliencee#EmergencyPreparednessm#HaveYourSayredness #HaveYourSay
Locals helping locals get ready
The Papakura Community Resilience Network (CRN) strengthens disaster preparedness in Papakura, Drury, and Takaanini by building local connections, raising community awareness, and providing critical resources. Our goal is to create a more resilient community through collaborative support.
It starts with neighbours
Community resilience begins with neighbourhoods. That means getting to know folks on your street and building a support network. Street Meets are a fun way to get to know the folks on your street. Become a CRN Registered “Street Leader” and organise a cook out in your neighbourhood.
What we do
Disaster Training
Our Disaster Training sessions equip you with practical skills and knowledge to handle emergencies confidently. Learn how to prepare your home, help your neighbors, and respond effectively when disaster strikes. Join us to become a vital part of our community’s resilience.
Community Hubs
Community Hubs are the heart of our resilience network. These designated gathering points are places where neighbors come together, share resources, and support one another during times of need. Find your nearest hub and get involved in strengthening our community’s readiness.
Street Meets
Street Meets are fun, casual events that bring neighbors together over a BBQ or shared meal. They are a great way to build friendships and foster connections that will help us all in times of need. Come along, meet your neighbors, and help build a resilient Papakura!
