[2] The creek is a major stream on the Auckland isthmus, beginning at Mount Roskill and travelling north-west through Wesley, Sandringham, Mt Albert and Avondale, before reaching the Waitematā Harbour at Waterview.

[4] The Oakley Creek is the longest urban stream on the Auckland isthmus, at approximately 15 kilometres in length, and prior to European settlement was surrounded by wetlands and swamps.

Harakeke (New Zealand flax) and raupō, which grew along the banks of the creek, were harvested here to create Māori traditional textiles.

[11] Other concerns include the high levels of metals in the stream, such as zinc, copper and lead, from its urbanised catchment, and the fact that the culvert under Great North Road impedes fish migration.

[12] Due to the impact of increased community interest, a set of Oakley Creek Rehabilitation Guidelines was developed in 2011, to monitor the works which occurred near the stream, including reintroducing a riparian margin.

As a part of this work, a footbridge connecting Waterview to Mount Albert called Te Piringa Bridge was constructed, opening in July 2017.