Source: Radio New Zealand
For many enjoying the Pouākai Tarns walk, getting the perfect shot of the maunga reflected in the water is a big drawcard. Madeleine Lynch
Trampers are warned that upgrades to the Pouākai Tarns boardwalk in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki – the final phase of the Taranaki Crossing project – could mean they are delayed and may not get that special photograph they are after.
Department of Conservation Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki regional director Tinaka Mearns said the tarns were a sensitive and significant wetland feature within Te-Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, offering visitors dramatic views of both the Pouākai Range and Taranaki Maunga.
“For many enjoying the walk, it’s a chance to get the iconic image of the maunga reflected in the tarns’ water. It really is a fabulous peaceful location, which makes it so popular with visitors.”
Mearns said about 120 metres of boardwalk across the tarns would be replaced. At 1.2m wide, the new boardwalk would be nearly twice as wide as the existing structures and would be elevated above the sensitive tarns at heights between 20-90 centimetres.
The existing boardwalk will be replaced with a boardwalk nearly twice as wide. Supplied / Wayne Boness, Department of Conservation
Construction would take about nine weeks – weather allowing – and would mean staged closures of different sections of the boardwalk, while work was completed.
No detours would keep visitors off the sensitive plants, which were found across the tarns, and people enjoying the walk were asked to alert contractor staff to their presence.
“We do want to acknowledge the replacement of the boardwalk will mean some delays and visitors may not be able to get that special photograph they’re after, but we’re confident the investment and this part of the project will deliver a memorable experience for visitors, who’ll be out naturing when the work is completed – and we’d encourage them to come back another time.”
Taranaki iwi representative Jacqui King said the start of the final stage of the Taranaki Crossing infrastructure upgrade was an exciting milestone for all partners involved.
“Mana whenua have been working tirelessly with our DOC and Kānoa teams to ensure each project – within the broader Taranaki Crossing project – is focused on protecting ngā maunga, and providing manaaki [support] for manuhiri [visitors] throughout their journey.
“As kaitiaki [guardians] of this whenua, we hold a deep responsibility to care for this special place that sustains us all. This unique wetland is a taonga – a treasured ecosystem, rich with life and meaning.”
King said, over time, the growing number of visitors had placed stress on the delicate environment and ensuring it remained healthy for future generations was important.
“The extended and renewed boardwalk will allow people to continue to experience the beauty and mauri [life force] of this special place, without harming the fragile Taiao [water, soils and habitats] that lie beneath.”
King said the project partners looked forward to welcoming visitors, who shared their respect of this unique landscape – those who walked gently, who listened and who understood that true connection to the natural world came with care.
“Patience and support from manuhiri [visitors] during this time of rebuild will help us improve the infrastructure to protect this special place, so it can continue to thrive and inspire all who visit for generations to come.”
The Taranaki Crossing project was a partnership involving DOC, Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū, which involved several tracks across Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki being upgraded and the Pouākai Hut replaced.
It was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.4 million), which was administered by Kānoa, with additional funding provided by DOC ($5.2m).
A Taranaki Crossing feasibility study in 2017 identified the project was expected to generate $3.7m annually for the region’s economy.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
