Te Ara Tupua recognised by international and national industry awards

Te Ara Tupua has been recognised at both international and national awards being awarded the 'Transportation Project of the Year' at the Environment Analyst Sustainability Delivery Awards in Chicago, USA and  'Excellence in Concrete Infrastructure' at the Concrete New Zealand Awards last month.

Environment Analyst's Global Sustainability Delivery Awards

The  Environment Analyst's Global Sustainability Delivery Awards recognise Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) innovation and celebrates organisations from around the world. This accolade recognises the meaningful collaboration and innovative sustainability practices demonstrated by all involved.

Kesh Keshaboina, Regional Manager, System Design says: “This win recognises how projects like Te Ara Tupua are making a difference – for New Zealanders, for our communities, to think differently, and to design with purpose for the future. It's fantastic that Te Ara Tupua has been recognised by global industry experts from across the infrastructure ecosystem.”

In this category, the team demonstrated how Te Ara Tupua integrated the ESG objectives from inception to delivery, setting a new benchmark for net zero and sustainability in transport infrastructure, using innovation to achieve both global and New Zealand firsts. 

“This international recognition on the world stage shows our people that their indigenous potential is valued globally, and importantly, it shows the world that there is a powerful and new way to do partnership in action.” said Kim Skelton, Mana Whenua Steering Group Chair.

The Sustainability Delivery Awards submission was led by Tonkin + Taylor, together with NZTA Waka Kotahi, iwi mana whenua partners Te Āti Awa Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa Rangatira and constructors Downer NZ and HEB Construction.

Concrete Construction Awards

Concrete NZ’s awards programme recognises the expertise, collaboration, and ingenuity driving the industry forward, while emphasising concrete’s role in resilient, low-carbon infrastructure for New Zealand’s future.

Jetesh Bhula , Regional Manager, Project Delivery says: “The innovation and quality of the concrete XBlocPlus units, tidal pools and reef units is truly supreme – both striking and functional. They are an example of how NZTA can deliver low-carbon infrastructure projects on time, and on budget,  setting a new benchmark for delivering sustainable infrastructure.”

The project involves the construction of interlocking concrete block seawalls that will protect a critical transport corridor between Wellington and Lower Hutt, immediately adjacent to the Wellington fault and exposed to coastal hazards.

Te Ara Tupua showcases concrete’s unique ability to reduce carbon, speed up construction, and support biodiversity - redefining the future of coastal infrastructure in New Zealand.

Image below: Manea Sweeney (T+T), Lee Hunter (Mana Whenua Steering Group), Robyn Elston (NZTA), Kara Puketapu-Dentice (Taranaki Whānui) and Kesh Keshaboina (NZTA) with Sustainability Delivery 'Transportation Project of the Year' award 

Image above: Old Rowing club building prior to removal

Construction update

Construction on the southern end of the project ramps up as the bridge team work on installing the first piers and caps that will support the bridge landings.

In the northern end of the project, the old rowing club building, fondly referred to as the green shed, has been completely removed. During construction, the green shed was used to store materials and equipment.

The removal of the shed will allow our team to commence paving preparation for the northern gateway onto Te Ara Tupua through Honiana Te Puni Reserve, whenua (land) of Taranaki Whānui.

The blue water-ski club building and the construction site offices will also be removed over the next few weeks in preparation for the relocation of the Tāwharau Pods which are two relocatable buildings at the eastern side entrance to Honiana Te Puni Reserve, used as a community project information centre, and the studio for the carved pou taonga being placed along the pathway.

Ecology Update

Kororā / Little Blue Penguin breeding season has commenced earlier than previous years. Our teams have been preparing new penguin habitats along the seawalls while also taking advantage of the enhanced area of the much improved coastline near Honiana Te Puni Reserve that was completed last year. These will provide increased nesting opportunities for the birds and protection from construction.

Image below: Project ecology team releasing Kororā in new penguin habitat area.

Paula taking the opportunity to explore nature on bicycle.

People behind Te Ara Tupua

Ko Paula Kiri Hohaia ahau

Ko Te Āti Awa, ko Waikato-Tainui, ko Te Roroa, ko Ngāi Te Rangi ngā iwi
Ko Kairuruku me Kaiwhakahaere Putea o Te Ara Tupua

Paula joined Te Ara Tupua Alliance as our Commercial and Project Controls Manager in 2022 and has worn many hats over the years as the project has progressed. As our current Kaiwhakahaere Putea, Finance Manager and Kairuruku, Iwi Integration Manager the opportunity to work with her Te Āti Awa whanaunga is still a core driver.

Living 15 kilometres away from the construction office, she uses this distance and time to focus on her taha tinana, physical well-being by cycling to and from work whenever possible..

During the early stages of consenting for Te Ara Tupua, submission in support for the project by 'Doctors for Active, Safe Transport' (DAST) referenced a 5-year study over 250,000 people in the British Medical Journal that found active modes of transport like cycling reduced the risk of any cancer by 45%, cardiovascular disease by 46% and all-cause mortality by 41%.

"It takes about 50 minutes to cycle to Pito-One (depending on the Pōneke wind) it's been a great way to put my taha hinengaro, physical, mental & emotional well-being first. It's also an opportunity to enjoy the ataahua (beautiful) Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We don't get enough time to go out and enjoy the outdoors so being able to do this has become just another part of my day."

Along with the health benefits, she is excited about the opportunities Te Ara Tupua will provide when the path opens for all Wellingtonians but also for iwi mana whenua.

Honiana Te Puni Reserve is the northern gateway onto Te Ara Tupua. It means there will be a place for iwi to hold hautapu, host events, ceremonies and hopefully one day, become a new Pā site. The tourism and economic benefits Te Ara Tupua will attract through local, national and international visitors will be significant but also a great educational opportunity where Pōneke's rich cultural history can be shared.

When speaking about her experience over the years and her involvement with the project she says,

"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa tāngata, my strength is not that of an individual, but that of a collective. This project has allowed me to connect with some incredible people, and I can't wait for the pathway to open for everyone to experience".

Inspiring the next generation

We had a great time at CareerFest 2025, hosted by the Hutt City Chamber of Commerce who brought together over 1,700 students from 14 Hutt Valley schools and 86  employers to inspire the next generation of workers, thinkers, and leaders.

From trades and tech to gaming, logistics, community services, and beyond, CareerFest gave rangatahi the chance to explore real career pathways and meet the people behind them. Sharing what we do and encouraging students to consider careers in construction and infrastructure, we spoke to many curious students about projects like Te Ara Tupua and the career opportunities projects like these created.

Thank you to Hutt City Chamber of Commerce for another fantastic event. We look forward to meeting these young minds as future engineers, ecologists, planners and designers.

Image below: Students learning about career opportunities in construction and infrastructure at the Te Ara Tupua project stand.

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