PHOTO: McDonald’s has been granted resource consent to build a 24/7 restaurant and drive-thru. FILE
McDonald’s Gets Green Light for Ōrākei Site Despite Local Uproar: 24/7 Drive-Thru Coming Soon 🍔
McDonald’s has been granted resource consent to build a 24/7 restaurant and drive-thru on Auckland’s Kepa Road in Ōrākei — despite fierce community resistance and hundreds of formal objections.
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The fast food giant first lodged its application in 2023, proposing to open a new outlet at 152 Kepa Rd, formerly the site of a 67-year-old church. When Auckland Council initially chose to publicly notify the application, allowing public submissions, McDonald’s temporarily withdrew the proposal.
But after refiling in 2024, the updated application drew 381 submissions — with 331 opposing the development. Concerns centred around traffic congestion, light pollution from McDonald’s iconic Golden Arches, litter, and potential health impacts for the community — particularly tamariki and rangatahi attending nearby schools.
📣 Local Voices: “We’re Losing the Soul of Our Community”
Ōrākei resident Margaret Down spoke on behalf of her mokopuna who attends nearby St Thomas School.
“I am concerned that the visibility of McDonald’s advertising will prove difficult to withstand and make convenience food that much more accessible to my mokopuna,” she wrote. “Childhood obesity is a real concern, especially among Māori.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, worried the restaurant would erode the character of the local area.
“The area is currently made up of local businesses. Let’s keep it that way,” said local Emma Jones. “We will lose the uniqueness of our villages as they become concrete spaces with no soul.”
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🏗 What’s Coming to Kepa Rd?
The new restaurant will operate 24/7 and include a drive-thru designed to contain queues within the site. The property was previously owned by the Anglican Diocese of Auckland and sold in 2019. The church was demolished in March 2024.
There are already over 170 McDonald’s restaurants across New Zealand, with some generating annual sales of $10 million.
✋ Community Divided
While the majority opposed the new development, not everyone was against it.
Kepa Rd resident John Buckley, a Stuff employee, said he supported a business that creates jobs, while also urging the company to take steps to address traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
“I believe people can exercise personal choice when it comes to the food they choose to consume.”
Others highlighted the lack of late-night food options in the Eastern Bays.
“It would provide a great amenity to the area for tasty, affordable and convenient food,” said Ryan Gibb. “There’s a lack of food options, especially for those who work late or start early.”
🧾 McDonald’s Response
In response to public concerns, McDonald’s assured that:
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Drive-thru traffic will be managed onsite to avoid street queues.
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A complaints process will be available to address litter issues.
McDonald’s spokesperson Simon Kenny said the company is pleased with the decision and will continue working through the process to establish the restaurant.
“We are obviously pleased with the commissioners’ decision,” he said. “We’ll continue to work through the process to establish a McDonald’s restaurant at the Kepa Rd site.”
🧭 What’s Next?
Despite a passionate community campaign, McDonald’s is officially moving forward with its plans in Ōrākei. Construction timelines have not yet been confirmed, but locals can expect bulldozers — and burgers — on the horizon soon.
SOURCE: STUFF