Improvement works on the river-edge area of Wairaka Centennial Park in Whakatāne have now started.
The improved design has been informed by a thorough consultation process with tangata whenua, Wairaka Marae Whānau, local boating representatives and the wider community. It will see safe, accessible stairs and a ramp constructed in the area.
The detail
The improvement works include the removal of all intermediate steps and handrails from the existing concrete terraces on the southern side of the river access area, removal of the perimeter wall of the river access area to below sand level and the installation of wider concrete terraces with a lower gradient. Intermediate steps will then be added between the terraces along with handrails.
In addition, a new ramp will be installed from the existing boardwalk through to the river access area at the base of the new steps, with handrails placed either side.
Construction is expected to take six weeks to complete, weather dependant.
Read more here »
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
We’re improving access to Whakatāne River at Wairaka Centennial Park by making a safe place for people to access the river in this location. These works have a strong focus on improved safety access to the awa for those wanting to gather kai, to play, or to sit and enjoy the view.
What’s being done?
Key features of the improvement design are:
• Removing all intermediate steps and handrails from the existing concrete terraces on the south side of the river access
• Removing the perimeter wall of the river access way to below sand level
• Installing new wider concrete terraces bisecting the angle between the existing terraces
• Installing new intermediate steps between the terraces and new handrails
• Constructing a new ramp from the existing boardwalk through to the river access area at the base of the new steps
• Installing rip-rap
The design aims to improve the existing situation in terms of access, safety, cultural outcomes, environmental outcomes, and usability. The improvements are a direct result of guiding themes established from a community consultation hui: Te Mana o te Wai, Connectivity to the water, Water play and access, Maintain access to the water area, Preserve a natural state of the area, Cultural input with new appropriate signage, Access to Himoki rock.
Why are you doing this work?
Since opening in December 2017, the playground and surrounding green spaces have been enjoyed by many, however the access steps to Whakatāne River have received some criticism. We have listened to the concerns of our communities’ and are pleased work is now progressing to improve the existing situation in terms of access, safety, cultural outcomes, environmental outcomes, and usability. We’re have worked closely with our communities to ensure the space is fit for purpose and meets the cultural and amenity values while having a strong focus on improved safety access to the awa for those wanting to gather kai, to play, or to sit and enjoy the view.
When is this happening?
Construction works start on Monday, 6 May and is expected to be completed within six weeks (weather dependant).
Can I still access the playground and water features?
Yes. Wairaka Centennial Playground and the water features will still be open to the public, however the river access area under construction will be fenced off for a period of seven weeks.
Who has been part of the design process?
The improved design was confirmed following a positive consultation process with tangata whenua, Wairaka Marae Whānau, local boating representatives and the wider community.