Planting is underway along the 6.8ha Onehunga foreshore restoration site, with major parts of the project now complete.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Simon Randall says the transformation is nearly complete. “The project is reaching an exciting stage and by the time the warmer months roll around later this year we look forward to returning public access to our new, greatly improved Onehunga foreshore.”
Onehunga’s original beachfront esplanade was removed when the South Western Motorway was built in the 1970s.
Extensive planting is beautifying the foreshore and increasing the biodiversity of the area. Layers of mulch and topsoil have created ideal conditions for flaxes, grasses and bushes.
Grassy banks overlook the new beaches, and pōhutukawa, kōwhai, tōtara and pūriri trees provide shade.
Other features include: new beaches and rocky outcrops; a pedestrian and cycle bridge over SH20 linking the new foreshore to Onehunga Bay Reserve, with connecting walkways and cycle paths; a boat ramp and new facilities including a toilet block, park furniture and car park.
The $28 million project is funded by Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and the New Zealand Transport Agency.
