Waihī Beach to Athenree Crossing
Desire to connect Waihī Beach to Athenree with a shared pathway has been a topic for several years within the Waihī Beach, Bowentown and Athenree communities. It is now identified as one of the top objectives of the Waihi Beach Community Plan. It is also a priority in the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Land Transport Plan.
A partnering approach with Tangata whenua has been in place since the idea was first discussed. Local iwi input is pivotal to the success of this project as it provides an opportunity to showcase the rich culture and pre-European history of the area.
An initial round of community consultation for a shared use path across the northern end of the Waiau Estuary was undertaken late 2021 and the feedback was overwhelmingly supportive. Planning has been progressing slowly since then.
The proposed path includes a 3.0 metre wide boardwalk, 355 metres long across the estuary from Island View to Athenree. Further path and boardwalk sections along esplanade reserves will complete the connection into Dr North Reserve and Pohutukawa Drive. The design will be mobility scooter and wheelchair friendly, elevated sufficiently to allow small boats to pass under. The previously identified “preferred route 4” has been adjusted slightly at Dr North Reserve (now referred to as route 4a) following an archaeological and cultural assessment in July 2022
The next steps and indicative timing for this project are:
- By August 2024, complete initial draft concept design in partnership with Tangata whenua.
- September to November 2024, undertake fresh community consultation on the draft concept design. This feedback will be used to conclude the concept design for the resource consent application.
- February 2025, finalise draft assessment of environmental effects report and lodge the BOPRC resource consent application. This will be a fully notified application, widely publicly advertised to seek submissions/feedback. Depending on the feedback, BOPRC will decide whether public hearings are held (or not) before a decision is made to approve or decline the application.
- If resource consent approval is given, funding will need to be raised as there is currently no Council funding for construction allocated to this project. Early estimates from 2021, suggest a construction cost of $2.5m to $4m.
