
Tauranga City Council has prepared a landscape plan for the 15km long Te Ara o Wairākei Stream reserve corridor, stretching from Pacific View Road to the Te Tumu boundary.
The project is taking place in stages and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Stage 2 has been completed, and plans are being developed for the final stages.
We want to:
- ensure the reserve reflects and incorporates the cultural heritage and significance of the area to tangata whenua
- reach a compromise and find a middle ground on designs by listening and incorporating feedback from adjacent landowners, tangata whenua
- protect the important function of this stormwater corridor, to manage excess stormwater after heavy rain events and protect houses from flooding
- preserve and enrich the natural environment of Te Ara o Wairākei Stream and create a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife

Commissioners planting a large tree alongside Te Ara O Wairākei July 2022
Key features of the landscape plan:
- planting of lower growing native species
- inclusion of more native trees, surrounded by low-level planting to provide shade and food for local wildlife
- improving water quality, the ecology of the area, and the biodiversity of the stream
- building shared paths, bridges, and boardwalks giving cyclists and walkers’ better access to the reserve and improving links to the surrounding community
- Creating seating and planting shady trees for people to rest and enjoy the space
- Installing signage to share stories cultural significance with local iwi and hapū
- Educate visitors about the role of a stormwater reserve and ecology of the area
May 2022 - Media release - Te Ara o Wairākei Planting to Go Ahead
How did we come up with this plan?
Riparian planting (planting on the water edge) of this stormwater corridor is taking place as part of a national policy driving improved quality of fresh water in New Zealand.
Te Ara o Wairākei landscape plan was developed after meetings with project partners, local iwi Waitaha and Ngā Pōtiki, resident representatives, and people who regularly use the reserve.
What’s next?
Planting plans are being developed for Areas 4 and 5 of Te Ara o Wairākei Stream:
- Area 4 is from Mandalay Key to Golden Sands Drive
- Area 5 continues from Golden Sands Drive through to Te Tumu.
Te Ara O Wairākei Reserve - updated concept and plant list (2.1mb pdf)
When?
Planting is scheduled to take place in April-May 2023 and will be completed in the following planting season (2024).
Why?
The revised planting plan reflects feedback from residents and mana whenua while still aligning with Bay of Plenty regional Council Landscape and Cultural Management Plans.
Key features:
- areas allowing for access to water
- low-level planting to support established plants
- enhancing the regeneration of natural wetland
- easier reserve maintenance
- trees providing shade for people and wildlife
The area adjacent to the Wairākei Town Centre development is still to be confirmed in collaboration with the developer.
What you will see:
Te Ara O Wairākei Reserve - updated concept and plant list (2.1mb pdf)
The following designs will ensure a mix of native and riparian (water’s edge) habitat.
Stage 2 – Royal Palm Beach
Planting in stage 2 is now complete.
The planting approach was amended from the original plan, to reflect feedback from mana whenua and residents and includes significant changes such as:
- larger areas free from planting
- enabling water views and regular access to the water edge while improving the ecological and cultural values of the waterway.
The compromise reached will see fewer plants planted, which could reduce the diversity of the natural habitat.

For more details on the planting, please view the report to the commissioners