Waitara Photo: Photoflo Photography
Work to extend New Plymouth's award-winning Coastal Walkway to Waitara will begin later this year despite its cost ballooning to $39 million - $11m more than what was budgeted for.
In its 10-year budget the council budgeted $28m for the project.
In a statement, it said the increase was driven by global financial pressures fuelled by inflation, supply chain issues and increased material costs and labour shortages, the pandemic and war on Ukraine.
Waka Kotahi had boosted its contribution from $13m to $18m enabling work to get underway.
The council, which maintained 82 kilometres of walkways, was yet to decide on how it would make up the $6m shortfall.
In a first, the construction of the extension has been co-designed by Manukorihi, Otaraua, Pukerangiora and Puketapu hapū and council.
Work will begin at Waitara's Otupaiia / Marine Park and eventually take the popular walkway to 23 kilometres long from its current 13.2 kilometres.
As well as enhancing residents' well-being by encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, the council said it would offer a car-free connection between Waitara and New Plymouth to help reduce emissions.
The path would also take in areas of significance to tangata whenua including pā and awa (rivers), a matairangi (lookout) at New Plymouth Airport, boardwalks, rest areas and an estimated 96,000 native plants would be planted along the route.
Project co-chairperson and Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa pou whakahaere, Dion Tuuta, said the walkway extension was a very important project for the hapū.
"The co-design approach with NPDC has enabled our hapū to share their unique stories of the whenua with the wider community. Pathways are about connection and growth and its fantastic that Waka Kotahi is supporting this important kaupapa for our region."
New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom was excited to get the next phase of the walkway started.
"One of the most exciting things about this project is the partnership with Te Atiawa and the four hapū. When people ride, skate and walk it, they will be taking in our rich history while keeping fit, mentally healthy and reducing emissions, to grow our Sustainable Lifestyle Capital."
Waka Kotahi regional manager Sarah Downs said the funding it provided was part of its commitment to improve safety and accessibility in the region and to support opportunities for walking and cycling.
The project was due to be completed at the end of 2027 subject to contractors, logistics and weather.
- Waitara to the intersection of Brown and Tate roads (2023 - mid 2024).
- Bell Block to New Plymouth Airport (mid 2024 - end of 2025).
- From intersection of Brown and Tate roads to New Plymouth Airport (end of 2025 - end of 2027).
Fast facts:
- 1997 planning for the Coastal Walkway began in 1997.
- 1999 construction of the first 7km (New Plymouth CBD to Waiwhakaiho River) began in October and was completed in December 2001, most recent section (Ellesmere Avenue to Bell Block Beach) completed in 2014.
- 2002 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Gold Award winner
- 2006 the New Zealand Institute of Builders Supreme Award
- 2011 Arthur G. Hayden Medal from the International Bridge Conference for Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and the New Zealand Recreation Association's Outstanding Project Award
- 2017 extending the Coastal Walkway to Waitara had 86 percent support in a public survey