Site Investigations

Before main construction works can begin, we’ll be undertaking site investigations within the project area.

These works will include locating utilities such as power, fibre broadband and water assets, in addition to testing ground conditions and assessing pavement thickness / materials.

Site investigations will commence from 16 January and continue through to June 2024. Regular progress updates will be posted on our website and social media.

Introducing Matt Trlin

We’re pleased to introduce Matt Trlin as Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Acting Programme Director.

Matt joins Te Awa Kairangi programme on temporary assignment from his role as the Programme Director for the NZ Upgrade Programme at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Matt has an extensive background in planning and environmental issues, both in local government and from a consultancy perspective. Matt sees ongoing collaboration as the key toward further progress in Te Awa Kairangi programme.

Demolition update

Demolition of buildings and foundations on Daly Street is now complete. Ground investigations and testing are still ongoing, as well as clearing debris and maintaining the site into the new year.

In January 2024, crews will be removing part of the former Carpet Court building at 26 Rutherford Street. The shared internal wall with the Repco building (which will become the external-facing wall) has been stabilised. The contractor will next remove and salvage items from the building. The project team is focused on ensuring there are minimal impacts to the cycleway, footpath and traffic.

Work continues on Marsden Street with asbestos removal expected at 57-69 Marsden Street between January–March 2024. Businesses located behind these buildings will continue to operate. In the new year, the contractor will begin asbestos removal at 64-82 Pharazyn Street.

Ecological Surveys

In December, Te Awa Kairangi Alliance ecology team surveyed riparian vegetation (this is an area between the land and Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River), along both sides of the upper reach of the river within the project area.

They used multiple types of humane traps as well as manually searching for lizards and invertebrates. The environmental team is also undertaking baseline fish monitoring to establish the current state of the fish population in Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River. Electrofishing and trapping methods are being used to determine the type of fish species present. Once identified, all fish are safely released back into the river.

Avalon Skate Park Upgrade

In November, Hutt City Council held public consultation on changes to the city’s skate parks in 2024. The existing Melling Skate Park at Block Road is moving to allow work on flood protection and the new Melling interchange.

An upgrade to the skating facility at Avalon Park was proposed as a replacement. Council has reviewed feedback from community consultation, noting the majority was supportive, and has approved Avalon Park as the new location.

The upgrade will be completed before the Melling Skate Park is removed next year. The draft designs will be shared for public feedback in the new year.

We’re out in the community

As physical works commence in 2024, you’ll see more of the Alliance team and our partners out in the community.

We’re planning to have a regular presence at the Riverbank Market in 2024 and look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the weekend shopping.

In addition, the team is continuing to review the scope to ensure that Te Awa Kairangi represents best value for the Hutt community.

More information

For more information on Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi project like our Facebook page for updates, visit our website, or send our team an email.

Facebook: Like our page here

Website: www.teawakairangi.co.nz

Email: info@teawakairangi.co.nz

About the Alliance

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Te Awa Kairangi) – The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi is a partnership between iwi Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Hutt City Council, in an Alliance with AECOM and Fletcher Construction, delivering RiverLink.

The Alliance has been established to deliver the RiverLink project, which includes crucial flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, local roads and the State Highway 2 Melling Interchange, as well as urban revitalisation of the Lower Hutt city centre.

You can learn more about the project at www.teawakairangi.co.nz