Te Whanganui-a-Orotu (Ahuriri Estuary) is a unique wetland. The Ahuriri Regional Park Masterplan is an exciting project aimed at creating a stormwater treatment facility to clean water from our urban areas before it flows into Te Whanganui-a-Orotu (Ahuriri Estuary). It will also provide opportunities to enhance cultural narratives, biodiversity and ecological values, as well as spaces for passive recreation and learning
Key project information:
- The project is a collaboration between Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC), Mana Ahuriri Trust (MAT), and Napier City Council (NCC), governed by a joint committee.
- The site is currently owned by Napier City Council, known as Lagoon Farm. It is presently used as a 280-hectare farm. Historically, this area was part of the estuary before the land was lifted as a result of the Napier earthquakes.
- The project seeks to provide for approximately 100 hectares of stormwater treatment wetlands of native plantings to filter, polish and clean the ‘first flush’ of urban stormwater before it enters Te Whanganui a Orotu.
Core visions of this project include:
- Stormwater reliance in offering a treatment facility for the network
- Water quality improvements in the estuary
- Returning the mauri back to Te Whanga
- Enhancing ecological values both within the site and its interface with Te Whanga and the Taipo
- Unlike traditional parks, this will be a predominately natural environment
- Recognition of the functional need for significant infrastructure.
