Project delay
Te Whau Pathway Project is currently paused but is not cancelled.
This means that no further construction work will take place until we find more funding.
Why we paused the project
In November 2022, the Governing Body agreed to pause Te Whau Pathway project while we investigate extra funding options.
Estimated length of the delay
On 23 February 2023 the Governing Body extended the project pause for another six months to investigate extra funding options.
Timeframes and next steps for the project depend on funding outcomes.
Project investment and funding
Before the project pause we invested in:
- resource consent
- designs for the three boardwalk sections
- materials for the longest section of boardwalk
- construction of some concrete path sections
- a storage yard
- a yard for the project site office.
The initial $40 million budget for this project’s contract has increased by 25-30 per cent. This is similar to increases experienced on some of our other post-COVID 19 contracts.
If we have to stop working on the project
If we do not find funding and must stop construction work on the project, we will cover all costs to date.
If we have to stop working on the project, we will:
- continue to look for funding to finish building the pathways
- remove the project site at Bridge Avenue Reserve
- sell construction materials or use them for other projects.
About Te Whau Pathway Project
Te Whau Pathway project will see the construction of a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. It will connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay Beach to the Waitematā Harbour at the northwestern cycleway at Te Atatū along a traditional Māori taonga waka.
The pathway will follow the edge of the Whau River and link 33 parks, reserves, esplanades, sports parks and roads along the river and Portage Road.
It will provide a safe commuter and recreational route for all Aucklanders and visitors, connecting communities in Green Bay, Avondale, New Lynn, Kelston, Glendene and Te Atatū.
The length of the pathway is approximately 15km in total – 11.8km of main path and 3.2km of connecting paths. It includes a mixture of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
The development of the pathway will be a significant link in Auckland’s network of cycling and walking routes and will improve community connection to, and appreciation of, the Whau River.
Who is involved in the project
The project is a collaborative community-led partnership between:
- the Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust
- Whau and Henderson Massey local boards
- Te Kawerau A Maki and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
- Auckland Transport (AT)
- Auckland Council.
The Trusts Community Foundation has also contributed to the project.
Te Whau Pathway project progress
The pathway is being built in stages.
2015-2016
Sections of the path completed at Archibald Park, Ken Maunder Reserve, Olympic Park and McLeod Park.
2018
Roberts Field and Tiroroa Reserve completed.
2020
In December 2020 we were granted a resource consent to construct and operate Sections Two and Five of the pathway.
The central government also announced $35 million (through Crown Infrastructure Partners) to fund the design and construction of these two sections as part of a broader cycleways package.
2021 - current
- Public consultation and workshops were held between November and December 2021.
- Design work for Section Two, from Wingate Street to Ken Maunder Park, and Section Five, from Roberts Field to the north-west cycle connection was completed.
- Soil testing and initial vegetation clearance in these areas has taken place.
- A Community Liaison Group (CLG) met with the project designers to test the suggested designs for the pathway and collect feedback.
- The project was paused in November 2022 while we investigate additional funding options.
Next steps for Te Whau Pathway project
We will update the community once the project resumes.
For further information:
