HEARD PARK REDEVELOPMENT 2025
"We're thrilled to see Heard Park evolving further towards how our family envisioned—a vibrant, welcoming space for children to play and families to enjoy."
HISTORY OF HEARD PARK
Heards Candy
The land that comprises most of Heard Park was originally donated to the city in 1953 by the Heard family, the owners of Heards Candy, which was situated in the adjacent large art-deco ‘Heards building’ as it is now known.
The Heard family operated their candy business out of their Parnell building for 54 years, from 1921 to 1975. In March 1948, a fire devastated this building. The younger Leonard Heard remembers the flames as a five-year-old. He learned much later how the company’s competitors manufactured Heards candy until the factory could be rebuilt, in what he describes as a gesture of “great comradeship”.
This building that can boast some of the sweetest memories as one of Auckland’s most colourful family-owned enterprises, had its iconic status revived with a refurb in 2007 by the Medina Group developers and Ashton Mitchell Architects. The building was brought back to life as luxury apartments, commercial offices and stylish shops on Parnell’s prime shopping strip.
Hefty design and construction challenges were sweetened by the unique opportunity to restore heritage features to a Parnell landmark. Among these, a plaster mould was taken of one of the original exterior circular plaques, so that all four corners now show the famous lady holding a tray of chocolates that defined Heard’s original branding.
The Establishment of Heard Park
In February 1953, the Heard family gifted the neighbouring land that is Heard Park to the city as a place for young families to enjoy. The Parnell Mainstreet Association (now known as the Parnell Business Association) was established in 1999, and below are some images from the 1990s and early 2000s showing events and families enjoying the park.
2007—2025
In 2007, Heard Park underwent a refurbishment of its own, including the planting of several trees and the installation of the concrete seats. The re-opening of the park was celebrated on Saturday 10 November 2007 with a family fun day event.
During these years, the Parnell Business Association hosted many events in Heard Park, from the famous Parnell Waiters Race to Christmas baubles, Chinese New Year and numerous art and light installations. The much-loved trees grew over the years, providing shade for lunchtime, while the Parnell Business Association maintained a long tradition of putting out colourful deck chairs in the park.
Heard Park Re-Opening Celebration, 2007
Visitors using the deck chairs, 2010
Parnell Waiters Race, 2012
Purina Dogs Day Out, 2013
Christmas, 2013
Chinese New Year, 2016
White Night, 2016
Art Week, 2016
Parnell Waiters Race, 2016
Chinese New Year, 2017
White Night, 2017
Paw in Parnell, 2018
Chinese New Year Dog Walk, 2018
Christmas Bauble. 2018
Paws in Parnell Midsommar Market, 2019
Elements of Parnell, 2019
Rainbow Gate, 2020
A new defibrillator at Heard Park, 2021
Mountain of Light, 2021
Christmas Bauble, 2021
'Sirius Dreaming' by Sofia Minson, Whale Tails, 2022
A family using the swings, 2022
Kōhatu & The Sphere yoga event, 2022
Deep Thought, 2023
Chorus Cabinet on Ruskin St, painted by Paul Walsh, 2023
Beacons of Light, featuring artworks by FLOX and Jemma Ennis, 2023
Mikey Videotape performs at Heard Park After Dark, 2024
Beacons of Light, featuring artworks by Tony Ogle and James Watkins, 2024
Over time the park started looking rather dated, the growth of the trees creating several trip hazards. The swing set (while much loved) was assessed as providing a very limited range of play experiences, and thus the Heard Park Concept Plan was proposed in 2021. The Waitematā Local Board Plan and the Parnell Plan identified the need for improvements to Heard Park to reinforce Parnell town centre, of which Heard Park is the centre.
Initial public consultation opened in mid 2021 and included Local Board workshops, several open days, an online ‘Have your Say’ option, as well as consultation with mana whenua and meetings with stakeholder groups. The development of the plan outlined the long-term aspiration for Heard Park to be revitalised as a dynamic civic space at the heart of Parnell that would reflect the local character and respond to the needs of an urban centre.
During public consultation there was a preference for ‘combined conventional and artful play’. A request was made for further community engagement, including consideration for the expansion of a playspace.
New Design and Reopening
The final design responded to a collective desire for a ‘landmark artwork.’ Key themes that emerged in the design process were iconic, interactive, artful and sculptural in deference to the unique art and design character of Parnell. Using colour and translucence was seen as an opportunity to potentially reference ‘lolly colours’ as a homage to the Heard family and the history of Heard’s Candy. This was seen as vital as it would provide a wonderful civic asset that was outside the usual cookie cutter approach to play areas.
The final design reached a milestone in the planning process in late 2024, with the Waitemata Local Board confirming funding for the renewal of Heard Park, plus the installation of the new playspace. Construction began at the beginning of 2025, and was completed in September. The park officially reopened on Saturday 20 September with a formal opening ceremony from Waitemata Local Board and a free family event. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the new playspace, include the Heard family.
