The vision for the Huatoki Stream sees it as a central feature in the identity and experience of the city centre. The ecological health of the Huatoki Stream is thriving, reflective of earlier years as an abundant habitat where mahinga kai (food gathering place) was practised with the ability to safely touch and interact with the water and banks. The stream provides a seamless connection through the city centre and becomes a place that people appreciate and where they gather. Adjoining spaces and buildings will be shaped in response to the stream.
The Huatoki is the core feature of the city centre. Its health and abundance is a driver for a vibrant, active city centre that treasures is natural assets. Its waters are clean, fish life is plentiful, and people are active on its banks.
The health of the awa should be achieved through a Mai Taranaki Maunga ki Uta Ki Tai (an integrated catchment approach) that stretches outside of the city centre.
New Plymouth is a host city for a wide range of local, national and international events and visitors, and can better leverage off its reputation for holding world class public events. The Landing is a place of gathering and as the premium outdoor event space in the city centre, can bring these events in a smaller capacity to life.
The space will be well suited for events including large scale powhiri and smaller community events and gatherings. This is supported by the inclusion of a landing that enables waka to return to the banks of the Huatoki.
The Huatoki Plaza will be a welcoming space that encourages people to linger. The space will celebrate and strongly reflect Ngāti Te Whiti and Te Atiawa occupation. It will be green with strong ecological responses to the awa as a key pause point along its edge. It will be safe, inclusive and activated through elements of play. Its immediate edges will address the natural values of the stream.
Revealing the awa beneath the Metro Plaza so it is visible, and holds a strong presence from Devon Street to Sir Victor Davies Park. Daylighting the Huatoki with an access point alongside it will ensure the awa is a focal point of the city centre.
The Huatoki Walkway into the city centre is severed at Vivian Street. Continuing this path so it links below Powderham Street, along with a rejuvenated and expanded Sir Victor Davies Park will connect people with the mauri of the stream, unlock potential currently occupied by car park spaces and highlight the rich Māori identity and history of the place and surrounds.
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Page last updated: 01:41pm Thu 02 May 2024