Chimney culvert being installed in the northern section of Te Ara Tupua

Construction Update

Over the next few months, you will see a variety of culverts being extended under the road and rail including these chimney culverts (pictured above). These culverts will drain water vertically down and away from the rail corridor. There are a total of 23 culverts being built which include stormwater and stream culvert extensions. As shown above, a trench is dug with sufficient material laid down to provide a stable base before the pipe is secured into place. You can see how close our team are to the sea which is one of many challenges working between tides and waves.

Annie on a trail ride around New Zealand.

Meet the people behind Te Ara Tupua

Meet Annie, a transport planner currently working on Te Ara Tupua as the Path Activation Lead.

As the project's Path Activation Lead, Annie works with engineers and designers to identify opportunities that will support and promote safe transport options. Analysing travel data and collaborating with Council partners to improve access to the path has also contributed to Annie's appreciation of the great health and economic benefits that Te Ara Tupua will create for Wellingtonians.

Understanding industry trends and challenges has helped shape how Annie works with the project stakeholders and advocates in the community. Having the opportunity to work on a "once-in-a-lifetime" project is one of the many reasons she is passionate about Te Ara Tupua.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work in an industry where I can combine my passions with my skills. It is great being part of a  team so rich in knowledge and experience. It has fostered immense personal and professional growth."

Last year, Annie presented to more than 250 industry leaders and peers on the wide range of benefits that Te Ara Tupua will deliver to Wellington. The presentation focused on how Te Ara Tupua will provide more transport options and resilience benefits while connecting both local communities and visitors to Wellington and Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The Te Ara Tupua presentation illustrated NZTA Waka Kotahi’s role in delivering a connection that exemplifies ‘Te anamata – leave great legacies.’

Get moving this March with Te Ara Tupua.

Te Ara Tupua gets moving

The month of March is the start of Movin’ March; a Greater Wellington Regional Council initiative celebrating the benefits of walking and wheeling to school.

It's a great opportunity to talk to your whānau and friends about celebrating the importance of having transport options in your community. Te Ara Tupua will provide space for everyone to be active and connect with places that make Te Whanganui-a-Tara unique. With construction more than halfway complete, it’s time to start thinking about how you might use Te Ara Tupua when we open in 2026.

To kick off Movin’ March 2025, come over to the Tāwharau Pods on Saturday 1st March 2025 from 9am-Noon to learn more about Te Ara Tupua and connect with organisations like Pedal Ready and Free Ride who can help you get movin’ with 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