Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Hutt City Council are inviting the community to two information days about plans for Honiana Te Puni Reserve.
Honiana Te Puni Reserve, at the western end of Pito-One (Petone) is owned by Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. It is managed as a reserve by Hutt City Council.
Planning for the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One (Ngauranga to Petone) section of Te Ara Tupua, led by Waka Kotahi, has reinvigorated conversations about the long-term future for Honiana Te Puni Reserve, which have been led by the project’s Mana Whenua Steering Group.
Te Ara Tupua Mana Whenua Steering Group chairperson Kim Skelton says that the project has created an opportunity for Taranaki Whānui to lead development of a new vision for Honiana Te Puni Reserve.
“Te Ara Tupua has given us an opportunity to work collaboratively with Waka Kotahi, Hutt City Council, the Wellington Rowing Association and the Wellington Water Ski Club and share our vision for this place – which is named for our tupuna Honiana Te Puni and is culturally significant to us as mana whenua,” Kim Skelton says.
“The vision we have developed will enhance the cultural identity of the reserve, provide new facilities for iwi and community, provide for recreation and sport to continue, and strengthen our presence here as Taranaki Whānui.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Director Regional Relationships Emma Speight says that the reserve is an important component of Te Ara Tupua.
“Honiana Te Puni Reserve will be the northern gateway to the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One shared path once it’s complete. Although in the short term part of the reserve will be needed for construction activity, in the long term we have an opportunity together with our partners to enhance the reserve and create a lasting legacy for the project.”
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says that the changes on the reserve will improve a well-used community space for the people of Petone and those travelling in and out of Lower Hutt.
“Honiana Te Puni Reserve is a popular spot for many people in our community. I’m pleased that Council is partnering with Taranaki Whānui and Waka Kotahi to enhance this space, with the vision of creating a shared gateway to Lower Hutt that we can all be proud of,” Mayor Barry says.
Wellington Rowing Association and Wellington Water Ski Club were closely involved in development of plans for a new integrated clubs building on the eastern side of the reserve to host both organisations into the future.
“The new integrated clubs building will secure our future as part of the reserve” Wellington Water Ski Club president James Selwood says.
“We have worked closely with Waka Kotahi in respect of the location, design, and specifications of the integrated clubs building so that it meets our needs and those of Wellington Water Ski Club” Wellington Rowing Association President George Tuffin says.
The information days will be held on Saturday 21 and Tuesday 24 November. Information will also be posted on the project website www.nzta.govt.nz/TeAraTupua
Saturday 21 November
11:00am – 3:00pm
Honiana Te Puni Reserve
Tuesday 24 November
1:30pm – 5:30pm
Dowse Art Museum
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