Ara Harakeke - Taupo Swamp Shared Pathway (2003)

Landscape Design & Detailing, Project Management & Maintenance

Location: Tuapo Swamp, Plimmerton - Pukerua Bay

Client: Transit NZ

Taupo Swamp is a nationally significant flax wetland located between the seaside villages of Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay north of Wellington .

As part of the SH1 upgrade between Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay , Transit NZ, in association with Porirua City Council and the Queen Elizabeth II Trust, developed the Ara Harakeke or Flax Pathway - a shared walkway and cycleway that recycled a former section of road to provide safe alternative access for pedestrians and cyclists between the two villages.

Hudson Associates were responsible for conceptual and detailed landscape design, and administration of construction and on-going landscape management contracts for Transit NZ.

The project dealt with a number of environmental issues, including the creation of vegetated swales to filter contaminants and pollutants from stormwater runoff draining into the wetland from the highway and successfully revegetating ground in difficult conditions.

The project was awarded an NZILA Award for Sustainable Design in the 2004 Pride of Place Awards.