The X-blocs casting yard in Otaki.

Wrapping up 2023

As we all start to wind down for the year, construction along Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One (Ngauranga to Petone) section of Te Ara Tupua is well underway and continuing into 2024. 

Since work began this year, there have been many learnings and achievements, including the opening of the Tāwharau pods on Honiana Te Puni Reserve which consists of our project information centre and carving studio for our iwi artists, completion of Karanga Landing and the temporary wharf; which has allowed for rocks and machinery to be delivered to the middle of the project, and our two offshore habitats which has helped provide undisturbed roosting and foraging areas for birds. More recently we have achieved the completion of over 2,500 concrete x-blocs, out of a total 7,000, which are key to improving road and rail resilience along SH2. 

All of this work wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and mahi of our teams who have worked through rain, wind, waves and more recently, hail.

Placing cultural ecological x-blocs on western edge of Pito-One.

Construction Update

At the western end of Pito-One beach on Honiana Te Puni Reserve, you’ll see that the new Rowing Association and Water Ski clubs building is almost finished. The clubs building will be officially opened following a formal blessing  with mana whenua early next year. It will be part of the lasting legacy of this reserve that will be the gateway to the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua. New parking and pathways in this area of Reserve will also be completed soon.

We'd like to thank the Rowing Association and Water Ski Club for their support, and for relocating out of their existing buildings that are located inside our construction areas.

The cultural significance of this whenua makes this an important opportunity for us to restore, rebuild and reconnect the community to the story of Taranaki Whānui tupuna (ancestor) Honiana Te Puni. He was chief of Te Āti Awa whose pā was located in the area around the Reserve. The Reserve was placed back into the ownership of Taranaki Whānui iwi through its Treaty Settlement enacted in 2009. As part of our work together with Taranaki Whanui, we are incorporating cultural designs on the exterior facade of the building, designed by iwi artist Len Hetet. We look forward to sharing this exciting recreational and sporting facility with the community.

Image below: Drone image of Honiana Te Puni Reserve showing the clubs building on the right and the Tāwharau pods to the left.

Environmental & Ecology Update

We continue to monitor construction sites to avoid any adverse effects on Penguins (kororā). Our team of ecologists and environmental advisors have been busy this penguin breeding season, documenting up to 15 active penguin burrows. We’ve had the first sneak peek of penguin eggs and look forward to seeing them hatch! 

We have completed the two offshore habitats, including the new concrete tidal pools. These are now providing roosting and foraging locations for a range of coastal birds. We are also seeing early signs of growth of marine plant and animal species and increased fish population in the area.

Lizards that have also been relocated from the construction footprint have been transferred to a designated area on the Pito-One foreshore. A high level of predator control is maintained in the area and the Lizards are thriving.

More information

For more information on the Te Ara Tupua project, contact us at TeAraTupua@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/TeAraTupua