Fletcher Living’s transformative development at Three Kings is entering an exciting new chapter with the official opening of Taurangi — a vibrant community recreation hub featuring two state-of-the-art football fields, a nature-inspired playground, and 1.5km of scenic public walkways.
Formerly a quarry for more than a century, the Three Kings site has been undergoing a dramatic regeneration since 2012, turning industrial land into a thriving residential neighborhood. With around 300 homes now complete, the opening of Taurangi represents a significant milestone in the project’s evolution.
Community Celebration: The Ultimate Kick Off
To mark the occasion, a free community event dubbed The Ultimate Kick Off will take place on Sunday, 13 April 2025. Attendees can enjoy a free BBQ, live music, and spot prizes, along with a special football skills session led by youth development coaches from Auckland Football Club — perfect for football fans of all ages.
“This development has always been about more than housing,” says Steve Evans, Chief Executive of Fletcher Living. “It’s about creating a connected, inclusive community and restoring the mauri — or life force — of the land through meaningful green spaces.”
From Quarry to Community Cornerstone
The new sports fields are a welcome addition to Auckland, helping meet the city’s growing need for high-quality recreational facilities. With youth participation in organized sport on the rise, Taurangi offers an important outlet for physical activity and community engagement.
Built with sand-carpeted surfaces and advanced drainage systems, the fields are designed for all-weather use. Located 3–4 metres below nearby homes, they also double as a stormwater basin, providing flood protection for the area.
Cultural Connection and Heritage Recognition
The name Taurangi, gifted by local iwi, honors the site’s cultural and geological significance. It references the southern peak of Te Tātua a Riukiuta, one of the original Three Kings volcanic cones. Native planting and locally inspired artwork throughout the space further reflect the area’s heritage and identity.
“We’ve worked closely with Auckland Council, iwi, and local community groups to ensure this development respects the history and spirit of the area,” Evans says. “This isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about building a community where long-term memories can flourish.”
A Shared Vision with Auckland Council
Taurangi’s open spaces are the result of a unique land exchange agreement between Fletcher Living and Auckland Council. Under the arrangement, Fletcher Living developed the sports fields, roads, and walkways in return for under-utilized and contaminated council land, which they restored for residential development. The council retains ownership of the recreational spaces and will manage their maintenance moving forward.
As a further gift to the community, Fletcher Living also delivered a new playground designed to reconnect children with nature through the use of natural materials and sensory planting.
“There’s an incredible buzz around the opening,” Evans adds. “With over 1,500 people already registered, it’s shaping up to be one of Auckland’s largest grassroots football events. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the new fields in action and celebrate what’s possible when a community comes together.”
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:
- 5 minutes by bus to Auckland CBD
- 12 minutes by car to Auckland Airport
- Onehunga Train Station is 15 minutes away
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
