Blue Green Network Programme

The WebApp shows existing and proposed investments defined in the Blue/Green Network Strategy 2016.

The content of this map is intended for informational programme management purposes only. Further investigations are required to confirm feasability and support funding decisions. 

Blue-Green Network Programme dashboard

Four key Blue / Green Network projects have been prioritised for 2021 - 2024. The scope and timeline of each project will be confirmed over time. 

• The Upper Hātea Link project connects several different pieces of work by the Northland Transportation Alliance, Council’s Parks and Reserves, private developers, and community groups. The project proposed to provide a connected and functional recreational route along the Waitaua Stream from Gillingham Road to Whangārei Falls Reserve. The project includes shared paths/trails, wayfinding signage and riparian planting.

• The Lower Waiarohia Loop project proposes to add additional length of shared path to the well-used Hātea Loop beginning from the Kotuitui Whitinga bridge, looping around both sides of the Waiarohia river and across Okara Drive bridge. The new shared will be complemented by stormwater upgrades and spaces to relax in that also reflect the rich cultural history of the area.
• The Waiarohia Recreation Corridor project focuses on improving ecological and recreational amenity around the Waiorohia Stream flowing through Cafler Park and the sections directly upstream and downstream.
• The Raumanga Recreation Corridor project seeks to deliver significant Blue/Green outcomes along the Raumanga Shared Path Stage 3 project, notably along the stream between Bernard St footbridge and Otaika Road.

Raumanga Shared Path Extension

These projects follow the main waterways flowing into the Whangārei Harbour: the Hātea River, Raumanga Stream and Waiarohia Stream.

Dense weeds inundating the Raumanga Stream between Bernard Steet footbridge and Otaika Road will soon be replaced by native vegetation as part of the Blue/Green Network Programme alongside the Raumanga Shared Path.

Raumanga Shared Path extension project

We plan to commence the first of many stages of to revitalise the Raumanga Stream in January 2023, focusing on controlling Giant Reed (Arundo Donax) on the northern stream bank and other pest plant species on the southern stream bank growing alongside the shared path.

Once the weeds are controlled, the area will be replanted with native vegetation to restore the riparian ecosystem by providing bank stability and riparian shade and shelter. 

Shade is especially important as it helps to lower stream water temperatures, providing suitable conditions for in-stream life. Leaf litter, small twigs and insects that fall into the stream from riparian plants provide an important food source for microbes and many species of aquatic invertebrates on which fish feed.

The first stage is expected to be completed at the end of planting season around October 2023. Other stages will be tackled in years to come.

The Upper Hātea Link project has been extended almost half a kilometre further in time for brisk walks along the streamside.

The $66,000 Blue-Green Network Programme project was completed by Plantpro Ltd. It included clearing weeds near Gillingham Road, replacing an old fence with 53 bollards, and installing a 404m long, 2.5m wide shared track from Gillingham Road through the Bush Haven Reserve.

The path passes a right of way off Daviot Place which was upgraded with new concrete path and steps, and connects to the existing track along the Waitaua Stream.

In coming years, the shared path will stretch a full seven kilometres from the Gillingham Road entrance in Kamo to Otuihau, Whangārei Falls, in Tikipunga.

Over 200 students and whānau took part in a series of community planting days along the Waitaua Stream in Tikipunga in June 2021 as part of the Blue / Green Network Programme.

Run by Whitebait Connection and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and supported by us, the planting days saw over 1,500 riparian native plants get planted along the Waitaua Stream where it flows adjacent to the Totara Parklands Estate subdivision.

A group of people on a Community Planting day:

The plants will improve water quality in the Upper Hātea catchment, and boost amenity along a future walking and cycling trail that will eventually connect Gillingham Road to Whangārei Falls.

Riparian vegetation is a key element of the Blue / Green Programme, which aims to integrate cycling and walking infrastructure with ecological restoration, improved storm-water management, and flood protection.

The planting events coincided with Whangārei Matariki Festival 2021.

A project to construct a bridge over Waitaua Stream as part of the Tikipunga Shared Path was recently completed in partnership with BridgitNZ.

The new 12-metre long and over 2.5-metre-wide bridge with steel beams and timber cladding replaced a narrow timber board walk with a single rail that was previously in place.

A picture of the Tikipunga Waitaua Bridge before the improvement project: 

The new bridge provides a safe link for walkers and cyclists to cross the Waitaua Stream, along the Tikipunga Trail - a shared path and cycleway that provides a safe, healthy way for the Tikipunga community to get from Vinegar Hill Road to Whangarei Falls without using roads.

A picture of the Tikipunga Waitaua Bridge after the improvement project: