The Te Whau Pathway, a dedicated dual walking and cycling link that will connect the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, is one step closer to becoming a reality after construction resumed today, on a section of the pathway in Te Atatū.
The section is a four-metre-wide designed pathway for walkers and cyclists from State Highway 16 and Bridge Avenue to Roberts Field.
To date the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) fund has confirmed $49.3 million for the Te Whau Pathway project along with $4.8 million from Auckland Council.
The Government’s IRG fund was set up in 2020 to assess projects from the private and public sector to stimulate the construction industry, its workforce and the economy.
Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Coastal Pathway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He’s thrilled that work has resumed on the pathway.
“The West Auckland community will benefit immensely once this connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Te Atatū South to Roberts Field has been completed.
“Unwavering community support for this project has been crucial in securing its progress. Thanks to the tireless efforts of many members of the public, from advocacy groups to high school students, this section of the pathway will be enjoyed by cyclists and walkers for years to come.”
The project was paused in December 2022 when construction and material costs increases, coupled with emerging budget pressures, highlighted a significant funding shortfall.
As a result of prior funding, the steel and decking is already procured. Detailed design has been completed, resource consent granted and compliance management plans approved.
Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities welcomes the works commencement.
“With summer soon upon us, it’s a great time of year for works on the Te Whau pathway to kick off again and make some steady progress. This is great news for residents and those who want to use the pathway.
Te Whau Pathway concept design. Source: LandLAB
Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is a volunteer organisation led by chair Tony Miguel.
Mr Miguel says he’s delighted that construction on the Te Whau Pathway will recommence soon and hopes that will provide the impetus for completion in the future for the benefit of all Aucklanders, as well as the West.
“The Trust has been promoting and lobbying hard in the background, alongside the council to see sections of the pathway delivered to the highest possible standard for our community. I’m excited to see construction of this section of the pathway commence. The Trust would like to thank Mayor Wayne Brown, councillors, the chairs of the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards and MPs (and ministers under the previous government) Phil Twyford, Carmel Sepuloni and Deborah Russell for their support.”
Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Council, Auckland Transport (AT), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, with government as a major funder and Te Whau Coastal Pathway Environmental Trust leading the project.
Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, the pathway would connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.
