As Wellington’s riverside town, Lower Hutt, grows, its transport infrastructure, urban spaces, and flood resilience must evolve to support a thriving, well-connected future.
Te Awa Kairangi programme of works is a once-in-a-generation initiative designed to enhance public and active commute, urban liveability, and climate resilience across Lower Hutt and Melling. This transformation will create a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant city, reconnecting communities with the river and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi
The name Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, meaning ‘The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi,’ was gifted by Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. This name reflects the river’s history and the importance of kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) in the project’s design.
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is a partnership between iwi Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council, and New Zealand Trasport Agency Waka Kotahi.
As part of the Delivery Alliance with Fletcher Construction, we’re bringing our global expertise in transport design to help shape the region’s future.
Delivering a city for the future
We’re leading the design and management of critical infrastructure for enhanced and seamless transport connection. Our services include:
- Shaping the new grade-separated SH2 Melling Interchange and road bridge, improving safety and efficiency for commuters.
- Relocating Melling Train Station and creating new walking and cycling paths for a modern, accessible multi-modal transport hub, to reduce congestion and promote active travel.
The wider programme of works, led by Greater Wellington City Council and Hutt City Council includes:
- Urban revitalisation: A transformation of Lower Hutt’s city centre, where community aspirations will inform new public spaces, riverfront access points, and pedestrian-friendly areas. This will boost economic growth, encourage investment, and create a more vibrant, liveable city.
- Flood protection and climate resilience: Enhanced stopbanks to protect thousands of homes, schools, and businesses from extreme weather. Restored riverbanks, improved biodiversity, and new fish habitats, ensuring ecological health is prioritised.
Integrating cultural and environmental priorities
Te Ao Māori will be embedded in the project’s design. Working closely with mana whenua, we’ll integrate iwi knowledge, narratives, and environmental stewardship into every aspect of the development. The story of Ngake and Whātaitai, central to the river’s cultural identity, is reflected in the design features, reinforcing the deep connection between place, history, and community.
Sustainability is also a key focus. We’ll minimise the project’s carbon footprint, using nature-based solutions to enhance biodiversity, with climate resilience at the heart of every decision.
A more connected, resilient, and vibrant Lower Hutt
Once complete, Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi will redefine how people move, live, and interact with the city:
- Seamless transport connections will improve efficiency and safety while reducing travel times and enhancing commuter journeys.
- New public spaces and riverfront access will create a more liveable and attractive city.
- Strengthened flood protection will ensure Lower Hutt is safer and more resilient for generations to come.
This is not just an infrastructure project — it’s a legacy for future generations.
Key project milestones:
- December 2015: Project announcement
- October 2022: RFP open
- April 2023: Contract awarded
- April 2025: Construction contract signed
- Late 2025: Expected construction commencement
- 2031: Expected construction completion