New accessway ready for summer
2000 fish and eels were relocated as part of work Kai and fun to be provided in the park in January
The upgraded Harrisons Cut carpark and beach access in Pa¯pa¯moa was opened just before Christmas. Safety and resilience of the accessway has been improved with a new retaining wall along the stream edge of Pa¯ pa¯ moa Beach Reserve, and new footpath and road upgrades providing better beach access for visitors and locals.
These upgrades were in response to a storm event in August 2018, when erosion compromised the access and function of the stormwater channel. As part of these works, flood resilience has been incorporated to protect the coastal landscape.
Tauranga City Waters manage drainage services Radleigh Cairns says the project encountered some challenges as the constructing of the retaining wall and the drainage and road reconstruction was undertaken during the winter months.
“Unstable winter conditions meant we had to stop at times, but the team managed to deliver in time for summer as planned while keeping under budget,” he says.
“We’re also proud of the care that has gone into the protection of wildlife in and around the stream by the project team and contractors.”
A total of 2000 fish and eels were relocated between May and June 2022 year including at-risk species such as the giant bully, longfin eel and the inanga.
Eco-protection measures during construction have ensured a return of fish life to the stream.
To make way for summer activity and not interfere with bird nesting season, some remaining landscaping, wall painting and planting will be undertaken after summer.
Small upgrades to the boat ramp, additional seating and a timber board walk near the dunes will also be implemented during this work.
Fun, food and (hopefully) fine weather will be features of a new initiative running through January.
Colab, The Daily cafe and other community organisations have teamed up to offer free kai and activities in Jubilee Park each Wednesday and Friday from January 11.
The activities will be aimed at youth between the ages of 5-18 years.
“The Daily has the contract for the [free] Lunches in Schools programme and it was a conversation around that, even though schools may have finished, there may be some children out there who need meals — so the idea was to provide kai in the park,” says Colab’s wellbeing and resilience worker Hinemoa Wetere.
As the idea progressed, and more people expressed a desire to support it, it was also decided to include some activities.
Hinemoa says the idea is for something casual and low key between 11am and 1pm each Wednesday and Friday from January 11 until January 27.