The recently-constructed, 6-metre by 2.8-metre culvert at the Douglas Street Bridge over the Wainui Te Whara Stream will have its finishing touches added next month, with galvanised steel safety rails now being manufactured.

Whakatāne District Council Manager Places and Open Spaces, Mike Naude, says the rails will be similar to those installed at The Strand culvert - part of a goal to create greater visual connectivity within our public spaces. “Their form will replicate the native harakeke (flax) and other rushes and sedges which grow in and around the Wainui Te Whara Stream,” Mr Naude says. “In addition, we have detailed curvature in the concrete pathway to create a viewing area over the stream.”

“This is part of a wider project in which we are working towards some long-term ecological enhancements and an awareness of the native aquatic species in the stream, from Gorge Road to the ocean. These include short and long fin tuna (eel), whitebait/inunga, bully fish and others.” 

The safety rails are being custom-made locally and will be sent away for galvanising before installation. They will be made up of 150 individual poles on either side of the culvert. Temporary safety fencing will remain in place until the rails are installed, with the work expected to be completed by the end of May.