A project to transform Te Puhinui awa (Puhinui Stream) and create walkways, wetlands, community areas and improve water quality will begin early next year.
Te Aka Raataa is part of Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui, a regeneration programme working with mana whenua and communities to restore the natural environment in the area.
This project unites Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Healthy Waters and Manurewa Local Board to restore the stream’s natural path and create a community asset.
“Te Aka Raataa continues our efforts to build resilient infrastructure using the blue-green network approach,” Healthy Waters general manager Craig Mcilroy says.
Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata says the project builds wetlands to filter stormwater and creates pathways that add to a network that will reach the Botanic Gardens.
“Te Puhinui runs through concrete channels nothing can live in. This allows a man-made drain to be restored to its natural function as a stream.”
Eke Panuku, Auckland Council's urban regeneration agency, is supporting the area’s future by preparing for growth, and fostering investment and initiatives to stimulate development.
Manukau priority location director Richard Davison is enthusiastic about working with Healthy Waters, with the $12.5 million first stage (Rata Vine stream works) a strong collaborative effort.
Council partners visit the area to check out proposed changes for the awa.
“We’re excited to be breathing new life into this ancestral awa. Our investment is about creating a foundation for growth. We're looking at how we can make the area a better place to live and more attractive to investors and developers.
“Along with creating beautiful spaces, we’ll be improving stormwater systems and enhancing the water quality flowing into the Manukau Harbour — steps that will help bring aquatic and birdlife back to the area."
Winiata says Eke Panuku and Healthy Waters partnered with Waiohua iwi in the design.
"A principle was whakaora – returning health. Regenerating the stream is important to iwi, who gifted the name Te Aka Raataa to acknowledge the white raataa vines that grew here.”
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman is anxious to ensure the physical works and community amenities can be delivered alongside future stages.
“Naturalising the stream and daylighting drain outfalls, urban wetlands with riparian planting, rock-edging and boardwalks are certainly a transformation in the early stages. I want to ensure the concept is complemented with growth-related facilities west of Great South Road that are planned for and can be delivered to cater for growth.”
Eke Panuku has already bought land for stage two, notably around the Manukau Super Clinic, Davison saying that until then, the public had no access to sections of the stream.
“This is a game changer. It’s a chance to invest and return under-used land into green space for all.”
At the time of the purchase Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Angela Dalton called it the largest council investment in south Auckland public space in a decade.
“I'm thrilled that piece of the puzzle was put in place. This project brought the community together and empowered people to participate in it. Now our work continues to make sure it’s a place to be proud of.”
To find out more visit Te Aka Raataa project page, Transform Manukau page or Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui project page.
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