Above: view of the Te Ara Piko pathway.
Another section of the Te Ara Piko pathway is complete, bringing the vision of a safe path around the spectacular Pāuatahanui Inlet another step closer.
The pathway is a joint project of Porirua City and Plimmerton Rotary.
The latest section of boardwalk starts with a bridge over Kakaho Stream and continues west. It will ultimately link Motukaraka Point with the existing Camborne walkway. The popular first section of the pathway, between Motukaraka Point and Pāuatahanui Village, was completed in 2014.
Rotary’s Phillip Reidy says with the middle piece of boardwalk now complete, a decision will come soon on whether to next extend westwards towards Camborne or east towards Motukaraka Point.
“We started in the middle for safety reasons, as this is one of the most dangerous stretches of road for pedestrians and cyclists,” he says. “We’ll now look at whether it’s most beneficial to go east or west from here.”
Council Landscape Architect Andrew Gray said it was great to have a safer option for people running, walking or cycling between Motukaraka Point and Camborne.
As the inlet is a significant wetland area, the boardwalk has been carefully designed with input from ecologists, ornithologists, coastal engineers and the Department of Conservation. Consideration has also been given to the area's archaeology.
Rotary fundraising is continuing for the next stage, which will happen in 2018, said Mr Reidy.
“This is a special project and a spectacular location. With each stage we complete, we get closer to the ultimate goal of a safe and accessible path right around the inlet.”
Mr Reidy says it's wonderful to see so many people enjoying the pathway. “Rotary has been encouraged by the very wide community support and we look forward to this continuing, so we can keep working on this wonderful enhancement to the inlet.”
26 Jun 2017
