A large gathering was on hand to see the last section of the river rise declared open.
A 13-year mission to provide a 65km walkway from Karāpiro to Ngāruawāhia has been completed.
The final link in the walk and cycleway was opened last week to enable walkers and cyclists to reach Hamilton Gardens from Riverglade Drive, Tamahere – but it includes a 500 metre walking only section.
The Te Awa River Ride goes through Waipā and Waikato districts and Hamilton city and last week’s opening ceremony brought together Hamilton and Waikato local body politicians.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate recalled being at the opening of the first section in Cambridge in 2009 when she was a regional councillor , “so, to be here today, 13 years later, and see the full path through to completion, as the Mayor of Hamilton, is exceptionally special.”
The section between Cambridge and Hamilton, which includes the State Highway 21 Airport Road underpass, was built in four stages by Waka Kotahi, Waipā District Council, Waikato District Council and Hamilton City Council.
It was jointly funded by Waka Kotahi and the Government’s Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, managed by Kaanoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.
Hamilton City Council’s Capital Projects Director Kelly Stokes said the final section involved working through one of the most challenging river sections for a path and the project was also delayed by Covid.
A bridge section of the newly opened ride
The boardwalk takes users over one of Hamilton’s oldest gully systems where pekapeka – the long-tailed bat – roost.
Stokes said a 500 metre part of the new walkway was narrow and an on-road detour has been designed for those who want to stay on their bikes or scooters.
There, within a one-hectare area more than 145 native plant species exist, making this one of Hamilton’s richest forests. It’s cultural heritage dates to the 16th century when the area was populated by Ngāti Wairere. It is also a corridor for native birds including tui, kereru, korimako and kākā
“These reasons and more, meant the boardwalk couldn’t be widened which is why we’re asking people to walk through this narrow 500m section,” said Stokes.
Plans are now being made for another ceremony in March to celebrate the entire 65km ride.
