Honouring Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi — Our commitment with Mana Whenua 

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is more than a name — it is a story, a whakapapa, and a reflection of deep connections between people and place. This name, meaning ‘the soothing waters of the Hutt ’, originates from the oral traditions of local iwi. It recalls how Ngake, the tupua (ancient phenomenon), carved the valley during his powerful escape to the sea, and how the gentle waters of Hine-wai-tōtā, Hine-kōrako, and Hine-wairere later soothed the scarred landscape. These healing waters formed the river we now call Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.

In te ao Māori, names carry meaning and responsibility. By adopting this name, we acknowledge the river’s spiritual and environmental significance, and reaffirm the partnership with iwi — Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira — who represent the interests of mana whenua.

Taranaki Whānui, which includes Te Āti Awa and other Taranaki iwi whose ancestors settled in the Wellington region and signed the 1839 Port Nicholson Block Deed of Purchase, have a primary rohe (tribal area) that includes Hutt Valley. Ngāti Toa Rangatira, descended from the ancestor Toa Rangatira, migrated south from Kāwhia in the early 1800’s under the leadership of Te Rauparaha, and established themselves across Raukawa Moana (Cook Strait) in Porirua, Plimmerton, Kāpiti, and extending across Te Tauihu (top of the South Island) to include Nelson (Whakatū) and Blenheim (Wairau).  As part of Treaty Settlements, both iwi have statutory acknowledgements from the Crown that recognises their special relationship with Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.

Mana whenua are kaitiaki—guardians—of the river, land, and surrounding environment. Their role in Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is vital. They guide us to work in a way that honours the river's mouri and upholds the aspirations of their people. From river restoration to the reshaping of urban spaces and infrastructure, mana whenua help ensure this work reflects a shared vision: one rooted in whakapapa, partnership, and the enduring health of the river and its people.

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. 

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.

Melling Transport improvements

The Melling Transport Improvements project, being delivered by NZ Transport Agency as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi will help enable real choice for people however they choose to get around, with reduced congestion, waiting times, and more timely and accessible public transport.  

This project will deliver a new a grade-separated interchange at Melling and bridge over Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River. In addition, a new public transport hub will be created by shifting the current Melling train station south to be co-located with improved bus connections, and park and ride facilities.

Hutt City Council’s City Link Bridge - a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River will link the 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.

Other transport improvements (e.g. upgrades to local roads, etc.) will also be delivered as part of the wider Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi programme.