The Pathway Policy
The Policy
The Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet support in principle the creation of a pathway around the Inlet and its catchment as long as that does not compromise existing ecosystems or cause any negative impact on the Inlet.
In particular –
- Any pathway should enhance the existing physical environment. It may provide an opportunity to improve those areas that have already been heavily modified;
- Any encroachment into the Pāuatahanui Inlet and foreshore areas which are still largely natural and unmodified should be avoided;
- Any pathway should integrate with existing pathway systems;
- Any pathway development should integrate with existing and future restoration plans and strategies;
- Any future planning by all management agencies, in and around the Inlet and foreshore area, should allow for improved walking and cycling access;
- Every effort is made to promote the ecological values of the Inlet and to educate users of pathways and adjacent areas by appropriate signage with links to appropriate websites such as this;
- Public access to the Inlet is limited and a pathway that satisfies the above criteria is recognised by responsible authorities and the community as a valuable recreational asset.
Policy formulated March 2003, amended August 2023.
Background
The Inlet is a fragile ecological environment.
It is also a community asset in that it can improve the quality of community life. Human connection to a healthy natural environment is increasingly of great importance.
In May 1999 a number of interested parties came together at the suggestion of the Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet to discuss concerns that the Inlet’s acknowledged values were not being adequately recognised or protected and that it was deteriorating as an ecosystem. This meeting was co-hosted by the Porirua City and Wellington Regional Councils. The most significant outcome of the workshop was agreement from all parties present to seek community involvement in the formulation of a “Vision” for the Inlet and an Action Plan to enable the vision to be realised. The Pāuatahanui Inlet Advisory Group (PIAG) was established to carry out these tasks by 30 June 2000. PIAG comprised local residents and officers of the Wellington Regional and Porirua City Councils.
As a result of public feedback and submissions one of the major wishes identified was the desire for a pathway around the Inlet.
In 2000 Porirua City Council published a Strategic Walkway Proposal which included a walkway around the Inlet. No budget was allocated in the council’s Long Term Community Council plan. Plimmerton Rotary championed the project and started designing and developing the walkway (known as Te Ara Piko -The Meandering Path) in four short stages:
2005 – the first stage from Motukaraka Point to Horokiri Stream was completed.
2014 – Horokiri Stream to Pāuatahanui was completed.
2017 – Motukaraka Point to Kākaho Stream was completed.
2021 – Kākaho Stream to the Camborne Walkway was completed.
GOPI supported this development. The provision of a single safe route to use better protects the fragile shoreline areas between the path and the seabed.
Future Developments
The area between Pāuatahanui village and Browns Bay does not have a pathway alongside the Inlet.
This part of SH58 (known as Paremata Road) is at present too unsafe to walk, neither on the highway itself nor on the Inlet foreshore. Past plans by Transit/NZTA incorporated the upgrade of this part of SH58 to include a pathway on the seaward side but these plans have been shelved. Instead, walkers are encouraged to use the inland pathways through Whitby.
It is hoped that a pathway between Pāuatahanui village and Browns Bay can be made in the future but we acknowledge that creating this pedestrian link would pose difficult construction challenges.
In addition, it is hoped that information on the history and ecology of the Inlet will be provided at relevant points along all pathways.
Download a pdf copy of the Pathway Policy.