What's new

RiverLink is currently at the consenting phase and we are working to develop the design for RiverLink and preparing to apply for resource consents. During this stage we will also start to consider construction plans. As the project progresses we will keep you informed and give plenty of notice before construction work begins.

Our partner organisations will continue to be in contact with the owners of properties that may need to be purchased, and with tenants of properties we already own.

COVID-19 has had an impact on the project's timeframes and, like many other organisations and projects around New Zealand, we need to adapt. We will continue to update you on developments. If you have any questions about RiverLink, please get in contact with us on RiverLink@gw.govt.nz

RiverLink engagement survey

We're conducting research to understand how people would like to engage on the RiverLink project in the Lower Hutt community and we would love to hear your thoughts. This will help us make improvements to make it easier for you to find valuable information on current and upcoming projects, share your thoughts and ask questions.

Everyone who completes this survey will go in the draw to win one of three spot prizes valued at $50 each.

Click here for the RiverLink survey.

Ground investigations and ecology surveys underway

RiverLink ecologists (from Tonkin and Taylor), and geotechnical specialists from Griffiths Drilling have been out on site completing investigations needed to develop the design of RiverLink and support the RiverLink consenting process.

Ecological surveys have been completed in Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, and on the Western Hills surrounding the project site. Ground investigations (geotechnical work) on the riverbank have resumed in the last couple of weeks.

This work is important as it helps us develop the design of RiverLink and understand the effect RiverLink will have on the environment.

We hope to share some results with you soon.

Stage 2 planting of Belmont Wetland

Contractors are completed stage 2 of planting at the new Belmont pilot wetland. This wetland is the forerunner for schemes designed to manage stream and stormwater run-off into Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, improving its water quality and supporting habitats for wildlife.

Belmont School and the Hill Road community have been involved in previous plantings, however this phase includes more challenging planting with sedges and water-tolerant plants, so specialist contractors are leading this stage. We look forward to partnering with the school and community for future planting in the area.

With the recent rain Morphum Environmental Limited Ecological Engineer Stu Farrant visited the wetland. He says "that the inlet structures that flow through the wetland are working as designed, protecting the wetland from extreme flows".

It is hoped that the pilot wetland will help us better understand how we can incorporate wetlands into the design for RiverLink

Te Ara Tupua work in the Melling area

Not far from the RiverLink project area, construction of the Petone to Melling section of Te Ara Tupua is underway - with work currently taking place around Parliament Street. Te Ara Tupua is the project to create a walking and cycling link between Wellington and Lower Hutt.

The project includes an underpass beneath the railway line at Parliament Street in Melling. Contractors Fulton Hogan will be working on this for approximately six months. A one-way detour will be in place during this time.

More information can be found on the project website

More information

For more information on the RiverLink project visit our website www.riverlink.co.nz or send our team an email at riverlink@gw.govt.nz