Adopt-a-Drain rolls out through Auckland
- Neighbourhood Support NZ
- Nov 30, 2025
- 2 min read
November 2025 – New Zealand
A new initiative by Neighbourhood Support called Adopt-a-drain was created in response to the heavy rainfall we now experience in Auckland. It was successfully launched in Remuera in July and Grafton in November 2025.
After being eagerly adopted by residents in the leafy suburbs of Remuera, Grafton was the perfect place to expand the initiative as we roll it out over Auckland.
Adopt-a-drain is a simple concept where residents keep an eye on a drain in their street and to give it a sweep if it is covered with leaves or debris. If the drain is blocked, then they are able to report it to the Auckland Council via an online link.
Adopt-a-drain joined forces with Awhi Awa - Endangered Species as they were able to give more depth (literally) to why it is so important to keep our drain clear of rubbish and flowing freely.
“Many of New Zealand’s native fish are migratory, requiring hydraulic connection to the ocean and back to complete their lifecycle. The Installation of the drainage schemes in Aotearoa over 50 years ago has resulted in direct impacts on both upstream and downstream fish migration and on their respective habitats”
Councils around Auckland are now realising the need for the more sustainable use and management of what goes down our drains.
The Waitematā Local Board has proudly supported this awesome initiative, alongside the Grafton Residents Association, who are getting stuck in - boots, rakes, and all!
A special thanks also goes to the Endangered Species Foundation (Awhi Awa). We look forward to collaborating with them across the motu on future Adopt a Drain projects, ensuring we’re not only protecting our waterways but also learning how to care for the native species that call them home.
Auckland is showing that small actions can make a big impact. Neighbours are coming together to keep our streets safe, drains clear, reduce flooding, and care for our local environment.
Join Neighbourhood Support and sign up to Adopt-A-Drain in Auckland here: www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz/adopt-a-drain 📋
--- Update February 2026:
It has just been announced that “Dwayne the drain” is a finalist in The Best local Authority campaign for The Worthies Awards 2026. Winners will be announced on 5 March at an event being held at Parliament in Wellington.
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About Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient, and connected communities. Over 220,000 households are part of our growing network. Neighbourhood Support work alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another so that our communities are great places to live.
Address (appointment only)
C/O Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street
Thorndon, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Email - info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Phone - 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
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