Wonderful Waitara set for Walkway and Water Works

Waitara’s good times are continuing to gather pace with a number of high-profile NPDC projects in the pipeline from the Coastal Walkway extension to solving long-running water issues.

The town has been on a roll this year with construction booming, the opening of the new Clifton Park Sports and Community Hub and now further major investment is on its way thanks to NPDC’s 10-year work programme.

“It’s fantastic the Coastal Walkway extension from Bell Block to Waitara has received the green light. It will stimulate the local economy, encourage locals to be more active and attract visitors,” says NPDC Councillor Colin Johnston.

Work on the long-awaited project to link Waitara to the district’s award-winning Coastal Walkway is set to start next year with $4 million from NPDC matched by funding from the NZ Transport Agency.

The 10-Year Plan includes investment in the town’s water network including:
• $14 million to renew ageing sewer pipes
• $9 million to improve the town’s storm water systems
• $6 million to improve wastewater pump stations across the district.

Another area of focus is a new fishing area at Waitara’s Marine Park which will open up the river mouth to all anglers including those in wheelchairs. The project is planned for the 2019-2020 financial year and is expected to cost about $65,000.

NPDC has also helped a Waitara history group to preserve three of the town’s oldest buildings thanks to a concessional ground lease. Two former jail buildings – the Harness Room built in the 1880s and the Jail House dating from early last century – sit on the Memorial Place site alongside Rose Cottage, which was also built in the 1880s.

The lease of $1 a year was granted to the Waitara District History and Families Research Group by NPDC which guarantees the buildings will remain in the community until at least 2031.

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