Mana whenua 

As mana whenua of Te Awa Kairangi and surrounding lands, Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa are crucial to the ongoing success of the Te Awa Kairangi project. We share common values: Ora Tāngata, Ora Taiao, and Ora Wairua – wellbeing of people, the natural environment and of spirit. 

Mana whenua are represented as Treaty partners at all levels of the project, along with other project partners, to ensure the project outcomes benefit iwi, our local community and the environment. 

By working together, we’re adding value to the project. Environmental outcomes will be improved and the mouri, life force, of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River will be enhanced.

The cultural narrative of the Tupua, Ngake and Whātaitai, will be seen in design of built features, and local history highlighted through our communications. Prosperity for people will be created through employment, business and training opportunities as part of the delivery phase. 

Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River flood protection 

Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River is an invaluable resource to the Greater Wellington community, supporting the economy, lifestyle, and culture of the Hutt Valley. The river is identified as a taonga, a sacred treasure and serves as an attraction for both locals and tourists - it is visited by over a million people each year. It also supplies half of the consumable water for thousands of people living in Wellington, Hutt and Porirua cities, which equals around 75 million litres of water per day.  

The flood protection works will deliver an increase in protection to a 1 in 440-year event, and safeguard residents from large flood events that could affect up to 3,000 homes, five schools and 600 businesses, with the potential to cause an estimated $1.1 billion worth of damage.  

While improving Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt flood defences, the project aims to protect the ecological health of the river by creating more space for the river itself, more fish habitats, with a mix of pools, fast-flowing shallow water, vegetation, rocks, and undercut banks - all the things that short-fin eel (tuna), trout, whitebait (inanga) and common bully (toitoi) need to thrive. 

Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt City Revitalisation  

Te Awa Kairangi project is investing in new roads, a pedestrian bridge over the river, and a development site that connects with the new river edge. The project embraces and celebrates the spirit of our taonga (treasure), Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, and aims to build the foundations of a modern, energetic city that looks to the future.  

Turning Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt into a true ‘river city’ aims to stimulate redevelopment and identify new opportunities for recreational, social and cultural activities. Beyond flood protection and transport upgrades, Te Awa Kairangi project aims to encourage urban growth.

There will be a range of street-level improvements, for example creating pedestrian pathways and outdoor dining areas, improved lighting, and street-based markets. Our vision also includes a riverbank park and the purchase of properties to support further development.

Transport Improvements 

The transport improvements will help deliver real choice for people however they choose to get around, with reduced congestion, waiting times, and more timely and accessible public transport.  

Te Awa Kairangi project will deliver a new Melling road bridge and a grade separated interchange. In addition, a new public transport hub will be created by shifting the current Melling train station south to be co-located with a new bus hub, and park and ride facilities. A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River will link Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt city centre to the public transport hub, and the new cycle path north from Bridge Street along the rail corridor, joining other active modes along the river corridor.