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New look neighbourhood – improvements to area around Karanga-a-Hape Station now complete New look neighbourhood – improvements to area around Karanga-a-Hape Station now complete

Date: 25 February 2025

The area around the new Karanga-a-Hape Station has been reshaped to make it easier, safer and more welcoming for people moving through the area, completing another important step towards opening the City Rail Link (CRL) later this year.

Karanga-a-Hape Station will play a key role in Auckland’s wider public transport network served by both the East West Line and the South City Line on the new rapid transit network. This means whether you’re coming from Pukekohe, Papatoetoe, Glen Innes or Glen Eden - K’ Road is an easy train ride away with trains running every few minutes at peak times.

Earlier today, representatives from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Ākitai Waiohua, and Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua led a blessing in Mercury Lane, on behalf of mana whenua. This formally marked the completion of the Karanga-a-Hape Precinct Integration Project.

The Auckland Transport-led project  was supported by Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and includes better, brighter public spaces and upgrades to Pitt Street, Beresford Square, Mercury Lane, Cross Street, Canada Street and East Street.

“We know when the City Rail Link opens this year there’ll be a lot more people travelling from across Auckland to the city centre, with the area becoming a transport hub.

At Karanga-a-Hape, our brand-new train station will intersect with some of the city’s most popular bus routes, including the WX1 and future Northwest Busway services,” says Jane Small, Auckland Transport Co-Director of Infrastructure and Place.

“The improvements will make connecting to transport services easier for those who visit or live and work in the area, as well as opening up new public spaces leading to local restaurants and shops.”

Relocated bus stops, road resurfacing, new pedestrian crossings and wider footpaths have created a more functional and user-friendly area. Garden beds and native tree plantings add bursts of green through the area.

Cyclists can navigate more safely through the busy streets by using new separated lanes on Canada St, East St, Pitt St and Vincent St which link up with existing cycle routes such as Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath.

“The City Rail Link is not just about journeys, but destinations. With Karangahape Road more accessible than ever before, there are opportunities for more homes, businesses, arts and culture above ground too. The outstanding artistic elements of the stations and new public areas raise the dignity and mana of the space and all of us”, says Alex Bonham, Chair of the Waitematā Local Board.

Artwork designed by mana whenua adds to the vibrancy Karangahape Road is already well-known for, transforming Mercury Lane with features that reflect the history of the area. New light poles are inspired by Tāne Mahuta (God of the Forests), complementing the new CRL Karanga-a-Hape Station designs.

The poles are ochre in colour, representing the separation of Tāne Mahuta’s parents Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), while the black kaperua patterns reference the enduring strength, protection, and guidance Tāne provides. Festoon lighting and star motif projections on the ground mark Te Whānau Marama, the light-giving family – the sun, moon, and stars that Tāne placed in the sky. 

“The collection of cultural designs acknowledges the stories of the past, reflects the present, and lights the way for the future. Together, they pay tribute to the people of Karanga-a-Hape, will welcome station users, and connect the wider community to a place of belonging, care, and shared life,” says lead mana whenua artist for the precinct project Pāora Puru (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua).

The Karanga-a-Hape neighbourhood is the second CRL station area to be completed in recent weeks, following the reopening of the Waitematā Station Plaza at the end of January.

Auckland Transport acknowledges that this type of work impacts businesses and people who live in the area and would like to thank locals for their open communication, input and patience while the improvements were made.

“It’s great to see the public gain access to these new sites as we get closer to the opening of the City Rail Link. We are excited about the opportunities it brings to our businesses who will welcome more foot traffic in the area,” says Jamey Holloway, General Manager K’ Road Business Association.

Karanga-a-Hape Station has entrances at both Mercury Lane and Beresford Square.  

Notes to the editor: 

Our CRL checklist gives shows how we are progressing through the testing and commissioning phase. Before opening City Rail Link, project teams will be completing important work to be ready, including: 

  • Thoroughly testing the stations, including emergency and technology systems   
  • Testing train operations in the tunnel, and across a new network-wide timetable   
  • Ensuring all parts of the public transport system are ready for launch   
  • Completing planned rail network upgrade projects   
  • Finalising the regulatory approvals needed for the CRL and new services