Introduction
Te Whau Pathway is a planned 12km of safe shared path along the western edge of the Whau River, from Te Atatū to Green Bay, following the historic whau portage. Te Whau Pathway will provide a safe and sustainable link for the suburbs of Te Atatū Peninsula, Te Atatū South, Glendene, Kelston, New Lynn and Green Bay. This will allow for a short bicycle ride of approximately 4 kms to rapid transit stations at New Lynn and the planned Te Atatū interchange for members of these communities.
Background
The project has been driven by a not-for-profit trust; the Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust. It’s a collaborative project between the Trust, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, the Whau Local Board and Henderson-Massey Local Board, Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngati Whātua Ōrakei.
Bike Te Atatū has submitted on each of the consent stages of Te Whau.
Outcomes
It’s already under way! Well, in bits. Construction started in 2015, and so far 2.9km of the pathway has been completed. The remaining 10km – comprising 7km of boardwalk and 3km of shared path – is yet to be built, requires resource consent (submissions closed December 2019) and a fairy godmother to fund it.
Part of the existing Te Whau Pathway in Archibald Park
Latest Developments
April 2020: Bike Te Atatū recently sent an email to minsters Twyford and Genter in support of Te Whau Pathway receiving funding as part of the COVID stimulus “shovel ready” projects.
18th July 2020: the Government announced $35 million of “covid stimulus” funding for the pathway. This is to build two sections:
- from the North Western Cycleway to Laurieston Park (Hepburn Road) – Te Atatū South to Glendene &
- from Olympic Park to Ken Maunder Park in New Lynn.
The pathway still needs resource consent – the hearing is set for September. All going well construction will start in 2021.
September 2020: Resource consent hearing takes place over 3 days. Melanie Dixon presents on behalf of Bike Te Atatū in support of the project.
