Te Kaitaka is a park on Greenslade Reserve in Northcote, on Auckland's North Shore, holding a 4.7 rating on Google. A good suburban park lives or dies on the basics: mown grass, sound paths, enough shade, and space for everything from dog walking to a casual kick-about. Auckland rain is the thing to watch, as grassed areas can stay heavy for a day or two after a downpour, so ground conditions are worth a glance before planning a game or a picnic. Many reserves also separate off-leash dog areas from play and picnic spots, so the signage by the gate repays a quick read. As suburbs densify, a park becomes the neighbourhood's shared backyard, and the ones that rate well absorb daily use without feeling worn. For Northcote, Te Kaitaka looks to be one of those: a handy, well-regarded patch of green on the Shore.