Wairoa’s river reserve is in line for a spruce-up.

The popular riverside stretch of the main street, from the lighthouse to Locke Street, will be restored to its pre-Cyclone Gabrielle beauty, and improvements are planned as well.

The $1.5 million enhancement project will be paid for as part of Kanoa-funded Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work.

The river reserve is a drawcard for locals and tourists, and enhancing the riverbank area will be a visible sign of Wairoa’s recovery.

Clearing of dead trees has already begun as part of a maintenance programme and future project work will include tiered seating, new footpaths, picnic tables, specimen trees and landscaping.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said our town is well known for its natural beauty of the main street facing the river. “We want to leverage this, creating a community gathering point while also recognising the area is susceptible to flooding.”

Mr Little said the Council appreciates the funding it has received through Kanoa. “We are grateful to be able to rebuild and even build back better.”

Mr Little acknowledged there would be some disruption along the main street while the work takes place. “Thank you to everyone, particularly our main street retailers, for your support and patience while this work takes place.”

Caption: Working through the plans for Wairoa’s main street river reserve restoration, from left Wairoa District Council elected member Roz Thomas, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, Contract engineer Jonny Hardie, Wairoa District Council Group Manager Assets and Infrastructure Mike Hardie and Wairoa District Council elected member Jeremy Harker.

18 October 2024

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