Kiwirail Traction Station being built ontop of seawall at Horokiwi.

Construction Update

Progress along the coastal edges of Te Whanganui-a-Tara is now more visible when you travel along State Highway 2. With the vertical seawall at Horokiwi complete, the team have been working with Kiwirail to install the new traction station.

The traction station is a key facility required for the operation of the existing rail network. The previous traction station buildin was built in the late 1950's to halve the overhead distances between the substations to the north and south while also improving the overall voltage for trains.

The station has been relocated to pave the way for Te Ara Tupua which also allows for better protection of sensitive bird nesting and foraging areas. This is area is commonly used by kororā (little blue penguins), tōrea pango (variable oystercatchers) and karoro (black-backed gulls).

Cordoned off area at Honiana Te Puni Reserve will be in place till mid-2025

Restoration of Honiana Te Puni Reserve

Honiana Te Puni Reserve is situated at the Western end of Pito-One. It will be the northern gateway to the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua.

The reserve land was returned to Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika (Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust) as part of their Treaty settlement, and is managed by Hutt City Council.

The highlighted area has now been cordoned off in preparation for landscaping. This will be in place till mid-2025. The landscaping work is the next stage of the plan and vision for the reserve following the installation of the Tāwharau Pods and the opening of Waimarino, both located on culturally significant land owned by Taranaki Whānui.

In 2023, the first step in constructing Te Ara Tupua was made with the building of the Tāwharau Pods; two relocatable buildings housing a carving studio used by iwi Māori artists working on Te Ara Tupua, and a project information centre. This was followed by the opening and naming of Waimarino; the new Rowing and Waterski Clubs building.

The name Waimarino was gifted by Kura Moeahu with the narrative “Te waimarino o te hau raki” which refers to  the calm waters along the coastline from Ngā Ūranga to Pito-one when the prevailing northerly winds blow. The name of the building connects with the narrative of the cultural art installation designed by iwi artist Len Hetet.

The restoration of Honiana Te Puni Reserve will lead to a stronger Taranaki Whānui mana whenua presence on the reserve and continue to welcome the community and recreational users to the area.

Tess (on the right) with colleagues at Te Ara Tupua Alliance

Meet the people behind Te Ara Tupua

Meet Tess, a design co-ordinator on the project and a transport engineer at Tonkin+Taylor; one of the design and construction partners of Te Ara Tupua.

As one of the civil designers, she is responsible for geometrics and traffic services design. This involves the planning and design of all visible features and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people on Te Ara Tupua.

"It felt like herding cats some days but being part of this project has been a career highlight for me. I've had the opportunity to learn and grow professionaly but also to witness our designs transform from paper to physical work. It has been challenging but as the whakatauki goes - E whiwhi ai koe i ngā hua o te moana, me mākū koe - To receive the gifts of the ocean, you need to get wet!"

Studying civil engineering, Tess wanted the opportunity to shape communities. She found a passion for Transport Engineering which focused on the planning, design and construction of transport systems and analysing their economic, social and environmental impacts. 

"This project resonates strongly with my passion for improving the resilience and liveability of Pōneke, Wellington. I'm an outdoor enthusiast, whether it be swimming, tramping or cycling so I look forward to this project being able to provide more opportunities and connections to do this safely."

Thank you to Tess and our teams who are bringing their expertise to Te Ara Tupua.

About us

The Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua is a project to provide better resilience to transport links between Wellington and Lower Hutt, with new walking and cycling choices.

It has been developed in partnership between NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, alongside local councils.

It is being delivered by Te Ara Tupua Alliance, made up of Tonkin + Taylor, Downer NZ, and HEB Construction. 

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