Vertical Seawall in construction.

Seawall construction

One of the key features of Te Ara Tupua are the vertical seawalls. Along the 4.5km length of Te Ara Tupua, there will be six of these seawall segments protecting the shared path, approximately 600m in length.

The vertical seawall designs impact a smaller area (or footprint) of the coastline than the sloped concrete block walls or rock embankments (revetments). We used vertical designs where necessary to avoid impacting gravel beaches which provide important habitats, and to minimise disruptions to wildlife.

Once the vertical seawall construction is complete, we will begin some beach nourishment work to offset the loss of beach material in these areas.

Beach nourishment works involve the relocation of suitable beach material from other intertidal beach areas along the Project foreshore. This means that minimal “new” material will be imported to the project area and the salvaged material is compatible with the existing beaches.

XblocPlus & Te Ripowai Design

Watch our story about how shared aspirations of guardianship was achieved through science, engineering and culture, resulting in resilient and beautiful design.

Calling all Pito-One Beach enthusiasts!

If you frequent Pito-One Beach, chances are, you've had the pleasure of seeing the several thousand plants that Friends of Petone Beach (FoPB) have planted over the last 19 years. These have contributed to protecting the environment while also growing a natural barrier for coastal erosion and creating habitat for native wildlife.

Working together towards a living beach with a dune ecosystem, FoPB meet regularly on the first and third Thursday morning of each month, providing local residents, organisations and schools the opportunity to come along and learn about the beach environment through planting and maintenance.

Supported by Hutt City Council, the plants used for the restoration of the precious foreshore are selected to match original vegetation including pingao - a golden sand plant found only in New Zealand, spinifex - the silvery sand grass, flax and wiwi rushes.

Next time you're walking along Pito-One beach, look out for the Coast Care banner or contact Graeme Lyon, phone 021 154 3850  or lyonpetone@gmail.com to get involved in protecting our beaches.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KHVB) is another community group with an incredible vision to lead and promote environmental projects to improve and beautify the environment of the Hutt Valley.
The volunteer group encourage engagement and participation from all parts of the community, guiding others to act in a mana-enhancing manner and enabling kaitiakitanga within the Hutt Valley.

This Matariki, they will be hosting a Pito-one Beach clean-up with some giveaway spot prices too. Come along on:

28th June at 9:30am - 11:00am
starting from Honiana Te Puni Reserve
(on the western end of Pito-One Beach).
There will be gear and equipment available to borrow but a warm jacket and hat is highly recommended!

One of the key features of Matariki is the concept of whakapapa, which refers to the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of whanau and community. Together with The Petone Beach Clean Up Crew let’s keep the Hutt Valley Beautiful.

We look forward to being involved in more community activities as our project progresses.

Photo above: Volunteers of Friends of Petone Beach planting and weeding along Pito-One Beach.
Photo below: Volunteers during a local clean-up with Keep Hutt Valley Beautiful.

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