Fletcher Living’s landmark regeneration at Three Kings is entering an exciting new phase with the opening of Taurangi, a community recreation hub featuring two new football fields, a nature-inspired playground, and 1.5km of public walkways.
Previously operated as a quarry for over 100 years, the Three Kings site has been undergoing a major transformation from industrial land to vibrant residential community since 2012. With approximately 300 homes already built, the official opening of the recreation facilities is an important next step in the development.
Dubbed The Ultimate Kick Off, the official community opening is taking place this Sunday 13 April 2025. As well as a free BBQ, live band and spot prizes, football fans will be able to take part in a free football skills training session led by the Auckland Football Club youth development coaches.
“Our development at Three Kings has always been about more than just creating homes; it’s about building a place where people feel truly connected to their community and proud of the space they live in. One of our central goals for Three Kings was to restore the ‘mauri’, or life force, of the land through the creation of green, inclusive community spaces,” says Steve Evans, Chief Executive, Fletcher Living.
“This land literally helped build Auckland. To now return a part of it to the community in a form that generations of future Aucklanders will enjoy feels like a full-circle moment” says Steve.
The new sport fields are expected to help meet Auckland’s growing demand for sports facilities. Recent data shows a significant rise in young people participating in organised sports, with more Auckland schoolchildren spending time on sports fields than ever before*.
To combat Auckland’s rain, the new sports fields have been developed with high specification sand-carpeted surfaces and quality drainage systems, ensuring they remain functional year-round. Positioned 3-4 metres below the surrounding homes, the fields also serve as a stormwater basin, helping manage rainwater and acting as a flood management system for the local area.
Beyond its recreational value, the development of Taurangi honours Three Kings heritage, as one of the five original volcanic cones. The name Taurangi, gifted by local iwi, pays tribute to the site’s cultural significance. It references the southern peak of Te Tātua a Riukiuta, one of the original Three Kings maunga. The planting and artwork in the space also reflects the area’s cultural significance.
“We’ve worked closely with Auckland Council, the local board, community groups and iwi to ensure our development at Three Kings reflects the area’s history and serves the people who live here. Together we are building a new community, not just housing, and I know as locals embrace these greenspaces as their own, long-term memories will be formed,” Steve says.
The new open spaces are the result of a land exchange agreement between Auckland Council and Fletcher Living. Fletcher Living agreed to develop the sport fields, roads and walkways in exchange for acquiring under-utilised and contaminated council land. The land was cleaned and restored to allow for homes to be built on it. Auckland Council ultimately owns the sports fields and will be responsible for their on-going maintenance.
The upgraded playground is designed to reconnect tamariki with nature, by incorporating natural materials and sensory planting and was delivered as a gift to the community from Fletcher Living.
“There’s a real buzz around the official opening event, with over 1,500 people already signed up for what’s shaping up to be one of Auckland’s biggest training sessions. With football booming in Auckland, now’s the perfect time to come down, check out the new football fields, and be part of the action on Sunday,” Steve says.
About the Three Kings Development:
The Three Kings development site spans 21.6 hectares, on land that was a quarry for over 100 years. It is set for completion in 2030. The development is a master-planned community, with residential areas surrounding expansive open spaces.
The development offers excellent connectivity:
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5 minutes by bus to Auckland CBD
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12 minutes by car to Auckland Airport
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Onehunga Train Station is 15 minutes away
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Greenlane Train Station is 20 minutes away
*Youth Participation in Sports:
Recent data shows a significant rise in young people's participation in organised sports:
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The 2023 Active NZ Participation Survey revealed that the time 5-11-year-olds spend playing organised sports rose from 3.3 hours per week in 2017 to 4.5 hours in 2023.
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According to School Sport New Zealand, the percentage of Auckland secondary school students involved in sport increased from 40% in 2022 to 46% in 2024.
