What happened to “RiverLink”?

In April 2023, the RiverLink programme was gifted a new name, Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, which means ‘the soothing waters of the Hutt River’.

Changing our name represents a commitment to the partnership with mana whenua and to honouring their history and connection to this place.

It was common practice among Māori ancestors that names often derive from stories of past events. From the perspective of iwi collective Taranaki Whānui, the landscape, river and streams of Hutt Valley came about because of the actions of the tupua (ancient phenomenon) Ngake.

Ngake illustration: Len Hetet

To escape from a landlocked lake, where he lived with the tupua Whātaitai, Ngake wound himself into a frenzy, building up enough energy and power to smash through the barriers and out to sea. In doing so, he created the opening to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington harbour. At the same time, his whiplashing tail split the land behind him, creating a pathway to the Tararua and Remutaka ranges.

Following this seismic event, the soothing waters of the ancestresses Hine-wai-tōtā, Hine-kōrako and Hine-wairere came together to gently heal the scar Ngake left on Papatūānuku (earth mother). Their soothing waters in the form of condensation, lunar droplets and water flow, gathered on the many peaks on both sides of the valley, ran off the land, and followed the cracks and crevices that Ngake created. These many streams came together and grew larger to form Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.

The name Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi was given by Kura Moeahu, chair of Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa.

The soothing quality of water is a concept we can all relate to. We find it soothing at different times whether it’s after a hard day’s work or in the middle of summer. In the same way, being close to water is soothing and we are drawn to rivers to walk or cycle alongside, or just sit nearby and watch it flow past.

Kura Moeahu. Photo: Renier Ackerman

“Names are important. Within a name, from a te ao Māori perspective, there is a true, deeper meaning,” Kura says.

Our work in and around Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River includes crucial flood protection and restoration of the river. Our name is a reminder that the river is a taonga (treasure) that we need to protect for the benefit of present and future generations.

“We look after the water and the water looks after us.”

Avalon skatepark taking shape

Get ready for an epic summer as the new Avalon skatepark is taking shape. The old facilities have now been removed and recently builders started pouring concrete across the newly shaped 1,270m2 space.

The new skatepark, which is on track to open this summer, is being built to replace the Melling skatepark, which will eventually be removed to make way for the new Melling Interchange. This work has been funded by NZ Transport Agency. Find out more about the new skatepark on the Hutt City Council website.

The digital underworld

An important part of preparing for construction is making sure we can minimise damage and disruption in the areas we’re working. As part of this, we’ve been doing multiple site investigations around Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai – Lower Hutt to locate underground services such as power, fibre/broadband and water assets.

We’ve also sent remote cameras into the drainage system to check for cracks, breakages, dislodgment and blockages, to make sure they will last for the next 50 years or more. Having a clear picture of this will help us to design our construction around existing services, and to understand which assets may need to be redirected or replaced.

This data has been used to create a digital model of the entire project area, which will be used by our crews to help minimise the risk of damage and disruption to key assets.

Digital maps of underground services in the project area

Bore me to the core

We’ve also been testing the ground conditions at various locations around the project area to better understand how to support large structures like bridge piers.

The team have been using geotechnical drill rigs and thrust machines to explore the ground up to 36 metres below the surface to collect samples of soil and rock for testing, and to evaluate the strength and stiffness of the ground using in-place testing. At some locations after drilling is complete, instruments will be installed to monitor variables like groundwater levels, temperature and ground movement. All this information helps us gain a clearer picture of the challenging and complex underground conditions.

The team have been extra cautious while doing this work due to the importance of protecting the Waiwhetū Aquifer, one of Wellington’s most important water sources. During the summer, the aquifer supplies up to 70% of Wellington’s water.

For more on the Waiwhetū Aquifer, go to Greater Wellington’s website.

Photo: Te Awa Kairangi Alliance

Bioengineering trial

As part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, Greater Wellington are looking to transition 7.7 hectares of exotic willows to natives.

A bioengineering trial was started three years ago along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, at Belmont, west of the Kennedy Good Bridge. Riverbank defences were built with woody debris, and willow poles were planted. Debris fences were used to stabilise the river edge, slow water speed and trap silt, resulting in a suitable growing environment for native plants.

The next stage of the trial has begun - planting natives. This will help find out which native plant species, planting methodologies and planting periods will work best.

We’re all excited to begin watching the native trees flourish alongside the established willows, creating a diverse and resilient riparian environment.

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 Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi

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, Hutt City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

You can learn more at www.teawakairangi.co.nz