New retaining wall protects against erosion

Council has constructed a retaining wall at the Blue Spring along our award-winning Te Waihou Walkway to stop further bank erosion from users jumping and diving into the river for a swim.

"The area is a popular swimming spot, for those who brave the 11 degree temperatures," said Greg Shaw, Council's Parks and Property Manager. "Unfortunately the activity has meant that the bank is eroding."

The retaining wall incorporates a levelled viewing area including the seats previously there to continue to encourage users to stop and take a break and marvel at the picturesque Blue Spring. The viewing area includes steps into the river for those who wish to go for a swim. Now that the construction work is complete, Council's parks team can begin some planting and beautification work.

"The increased number of users at Te Waihou Walkway has resulted in some erosion on the opposite bank from the Blue Spring," said Mr Shaw. "While the increase in use is fantastic for our district - as are the tremendous accolades we receive all the time about the walkway - it has had an impact on this particular area of the walkway. Staff have noticed creep of about a metre over the past year to 18 months; and we are pleased to get this under control."

The project forms part of the Te Waihou improvement work budgeted through the $5million economic and community development fund. Other improvement work included a new toilet at the Blue Spring end of the walkway, car park extensions at both Whites Road and Leslie Road ends, plantings and track maintenance and improvements.

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