New bridge, walkway protecting historic Hauranga Pā in Taranaki opens
A new bridge and walkway protecting the historic Hauranga Pā site near Ōākura in Taranaki has opened.
The project, led by New Plymouth District Council in collaboration with mana whenua and the Kaitake Community Board, focused on a walkway given the name Te Ara Tahuri Hau (pathway of wind changes), which was supported by a rock revetment protecting the wāhi tapu site and allowing access around the headland at high tide.
It also included a replacement for the footbridge over the Whenu Ariki Stream destroyed during ex-tropical Cyclone Dovi in 2022.
Ngāti Tairi and Ngā Mahanga hapū raised concern that people crossing the pā were damaging it, a claim supported by two archaeologists' reports.
As a result, informal walking and cycle trails had developed, damaging the pā, a heavily populated site in pre-European times, and exposing archaeological features.
ADVERTISEMENT
The New Plymouth District Council — which managed the Weld Road Coastal Reserve — approved a $570,000 bridge, rockwall and walkway traversing the headland in 2021 and Taranaki Regional Council consents were granted last year.
The completed project cost about $2 million, with about $440,000 of funding from the NZ Transport Agency.
New Plymouth District Council project delivery manager Sean Cressy said it was great to get the project over the line.
"A lot of time and effort has gone into protecting the sensitive heritage and ecology of the site, and we've had widespread community and hapū support for the new bridge and walkway, which showcases our historic and scenic coastline for locals and visitors.
"The New Plymouth District Council is committed to protecting the historic Hauranga Pā, so we designed the bridge and pathway together as a great route for walkers and cyclists to enjoy the coast while still respecting the archaeological and wāhi tapu site.
"The sensitive coastal environment required extensive technical input into the project."
Ngāti Tairi representative Keith Manukonga said Hauranga Pā was one of the largest pā in the Tataraimaka district and held deep cultural and historical significance to mana whenua.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Te Ara Tahuri Hau will help people to respect this site and its significance. It's a very nice walkway and we trust people will use it and enjoy it."
Cressy said the construction window was tight to work around the penguins and other wildlife during nesting seasons.
Ramps and handrails on the new bridge were built with help from seven Taranaki students in the Build a Bridge training programme, a partnership of New Plymouth District Council, WITT Te Pūkenga and the building industry to give teenagers valuable job skills.
Cressy said in recent years, it has been a popular link for walkers and cyclists between the Timaru and Whenu Ariki streams, and this was regarded as a risk to the site's archaeological features.
On the new shared pathway, cyclists must walk their bikes around for the safety of other users.
rnz.co.nz
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
A world-class wilderness adventure that's right in the backyard!
The adventure that you've been craving is on your doorstep, with the amazing Hollyford Wilderness Experience in Fiordland. Hollyford Wilderness Experience business manager Adam Dooney was inspired by many things when he first did the guided multi-day walk. Along with the stunning scenery, it was the guides and the hosting staff at the lodges along the way that impressed him most. 'I did not expect the quality of delivery, and how much passion and intimacy they bring to the experience,' he says. A true adventure, the all-inclusive Hollyford Wilderness Experience is extremely accessible to most walkers The unforgettable three night experience was a winner of Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Award in 2024, ranking it as one of the world's top attractions. Yet while international travellers visit for such experiences, many locals aren't aware of what's on offer right here. For those mature travellers in the lower South Island looking for an accessible adventure, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is the perfect choice. The low altitude walk will take you from the mountains to the sea, and includes spectacular transfers by jet boat and helicopter. Small groups of no more than 16 people are led by engaging local guides. The experience is coloured by their rich storytelling that takes in both the natural history, and that of Ngāi Tahu and early European pioneers. And comfort is not compromised on the Hollyford Wilderness Experience. You'll only carry the essentials, while well-appointed private lodges deep in the native forest offer private rooms, hearty cuisine, outdoor hot tubs, and warm hospitality. Adam Dooney says it's the entire experience that separates the Hollyford Wilderness Experience from other options in the area. 'It's not just another walk, it's a full experience,' he emphasises. 'The Hollyford is one of the most beautiful valleys in Fiordland. You see everything from the foothills of some of Fiordland's largest mountains, through the beech forests, and out to the coastal environment of the West Coast.' Walkers will be deeply immersed in the hugely diverse natural environment of this incredible part of Aotearoa. The extremely knowledgeable guides weave stories of the area throughout the walk. This includes the Hollyford's history as a pounamu trail, historical Ngāti Mahaki pā at Martins Bay, and the proposed European settlement of Jamestown from the Goldrush era. 'Our staff absolutely love the place and enjoy sharing it with people,' Adam says. 'Some have been working for us for 25 years, so there's a lot of knowledge and a lot of passion there. What shines through is the connection between our customers and staff, and that's what really brings the whole place to life for everybody.' What is on offer with the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is sure to appeal to an emerging segment of the adventure market who are focused on quality. They're looking for something different, a more fulfilling experience that they emerge from richer than when they went in. As Adam says, it's amazing what we have on our back doorstep in this country - and particularly in this region. 'Fiordland and the Hollyford Valley are right there for the taking,' he marvels. 'These walks are so accessible for many people, and on an international basis they offer great value for money.' Anyone looking for a superb experience should visit for more information, or have a chat with one of the reservation team on 0800 832 226.
1News
5 days ago
- 1News
Luxon's trade delegation lands in China amid world unrest
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has touched down in Shanghai as global uncertainty remains amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Beijing overnight pulled its embassy staff out of Tehran, the capital city of Iran, as China President Xi Jinping called for de-escalation in the Middle East. Gui Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said: 'China calls on all parties concerned, especially those with special influence over Israel, to shoulder their due responsibilities, take immediate action to help cool down the situation, and prevent the conflict from further escalating and spreading." It was a call echoed by Luxon. "We don't want to see a nuclear-armed Iran, we don't want to see Israel occupying Gaza, we don't want to see Hamas holding on to hostages. We want to see negotiation diplomacy," Luxon said. ADVERTISEMENT New Zealand currently has an embassy in Tehran with a small number of staff. Asked if it was time for New Zealand to pull its staff out of Tehran, the Prime Minister said not at this stage. "Those are decisions that MFAT will ultimately make and I'd just say to you I've been so impressed because that's been a conversation right from the very beginning of this conflict." He added there was no concern for staff safety at this time. "MFAT are making sure they're not at risk," Luxon said. The focus for the New Zealand delegation to China is to build on what it called a critical relationship. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon waves as he disembarks the RNZAF Boeing 757 in Shanghai. (Source: Prime Minister's Office) ADVERTISEMENT New Zealand was the first developed country to sign a free trade deal with China back in 2008. The opportunities between the two countries remain clear. "Our biggest challenge is actually getting share of mind and actually raising the profile of New Zealand within China," Luxon said. For the tourism sector in New Zealand the pandemic hangover remained. Innovative technology was on display at a sector event by Group in Shanghai. The company had the means to track up-to-date information about Chinese tourist numbers to New Zealand. Compared to pre-Covid levels, Chinese visitors to New Zealand were sitting at around 61%. ADVERTISEMENT Carrie Hurihanganui, chief executive of Auckland Airport, said it was not a unique situation to New Zealand as Australia too registered similar results. "When you look at things like the savings right here in China, you just have that 500 million or so middle class growing that is just watching," she said. "They're a bit cautious when it goes to a discretionary spend, but as I said, we are seeing green shoots, the numbers are picking up, just not quite as quickly as we'd like it to," Hurihanganui said. Chief executive of New Zealand Māori Toursim Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan said there were plenty of correlations between the two countries which helped attract Chinese tourists. "From a Māori perspective, they're intergenerational in everything they do, in the way they live, the way they think," she said. "That's critically important and I think it's something that the rest of New Zealand has been able to leverage as well." Trade delegation with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Shanghai. (Source: Prime Minister's Office) Last year during Premier Li's visit to Wellington, he declared 30-day visa-free entry into China for New Zealanders. ADVERTISEMENT From November, our Government would trial three-month visa waivers for Chinese visitors, but only if they had an Australian visa first. It was an issue raised directly with Luxon during today's tourism event. A staff member from Group cheekily took the chance to make the point to the Prime Minister. "Of course, if Prime Minister allow totally visa-free for Chinese tourists, that would be beautiful, that'd be fantastic," he said. "I appreciate the pitch," the Prime Minister laughed. Asked why New Zealand refused to ease restrictions further Christopher Luxon said it had been carefully considered. "Immigration in New Zealand deals with immigration settings for 195 countries. What we've asked them to do since the beginning of the year as we go for growth is to continue to look at our settings with respect to China," he said. ADVERTISEMENT Asked if they were appropriate and Luxon said he believed they were. Luxon denied it indicated New Zealand didn't trust China. "No, not at all. It's just immigration New Zealand has a decision and responsibility to look at the visa settings for 195 countries," he said. The tourism sector, it seemed, was keen to see entry pathways eased further. "There is a live discussion on the table at the moment and of course we will monitor," Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan said. "The Minister is listening to tourism and I think this space."
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Historic Inglewood Standing Proud With Help From NPDC Heritage Fund
The makeover of Inglewood's historic commercial heart for the town's 150th anniversary is continuing with help from NPDC's Heritage Building Fund. Originally built on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets in 1875, Fern Lodge is a two-storey building burned down and was rebuilt in 1905. The $30,000 grant from NPDC's Heritage Building Fund contributed to much needed repairs to the aging weatherboards, window frames and other fixtures as well as repainting the entire outside of the building, said owner Mike Smart. 'Inglewood is the hub of Taranaki with a lot of people coming in from all directions. The town's heritage buildings make it a place where people want to stop and visit, and they make it a great place to live. We're proud of Inglewood's historic character, so the funding is important to our economy and community identity,' said Mr Smart. NPDC District Planning Supervisor Lauren O'Byrne said it was important to protect and celebrate the district's heritage, especially in a town with as many historic buildings as Inglewood. 'Our history is essential to sustaining our district's prosperity. Looking after our heritage buildings ensures it remains a place where people want to live, work and invest and whānau want to raise their tamariki. The heritage building grants also help local jobs and businesses who do the work,' said Ms O'Byrne. The fund also contributed to sprucing up the Railway Hotel, built in 1876 on the corner of Rata and Moa streets, and the Deem and Shearer building, better known now as Caffe Windsor on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets, which dates from 1875. Applications to the fund are open until 4 July and building and business owners can apply through the NPDC website: Built, Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Funds FAST FACTS Inglewood/Kōhanga Moa was established in 1875 with many of the first European inhabitants coming from Britain, East Prussia (now in Poland), Denmark and Switzerland. The railway from New Plymouth reached the town in 1876 and its railway station is the oldest in Aotearoa still in its original location. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built by Polish immigrants on Standish Street in 1899, received $25,000 towards the cost of repainting the Category A protected building in 2023. Inglewood Library, one of five NPDC community libraries, celebrated its centenary in 2024. Inglewood's historic town hall was built in 1913 and can still be booked for events. Inglewood has 12 protected heritage structures in the 143 protected structures across New Plymouth District.
