Client: Waikato District Council

Location: Mangaharakeke Stream, Tamahere, Waikato

Date: January 2021 – August 2022

 

CONTEXT

The Te Awa River Ride is one of most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand. It follows  the Waikato river for 65km from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro. This project focussed on the Mangaonua Gully section.

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SUMMARY OF WORKS

The project centred around construction of approximately 370 meters of shared pedestrian/cycle path, which included 60 metres of elevated timber boardwalk sections supported by square piers. Safety improvements included the installation of timber retaining walls of varying height, timber post and rail fencing, and four vehicle crossings within existing pavements. 

 

EARTHWORKS

Before the shared path and boardwalk could be built, significant earthworks were undertaken to prepare the site. Base Civil excavated 385 cubic meters of cut to structural fill and 470 cubic meters of cut to landscape fill, and installed 124 percussive type anchors to stabilise the exposed earth banks.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

The project’s environmental controls incorporated the installation of earth bunding, clean water diversion structures, and decanting earth bunds as erosion and sediment controls along the banks of the Mangaharakeke Stream.

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DRAINAGE

Drainage systems were constructed to manage stormwater runoff, using 10 metre long 200mm polyethylene pipes and aqueducts to minimise erosion and preserve the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.

 

VARIATIONS

In addition to the original contract, we were asked undertake work on part of the neighboring Hamilton City Council section of the Te Awa Cycleway. This variation involved the construction of a 35 metre long timber truss bridge across the Mangaharakeke Stream to connect cyclists and pedestrians with the Hamilton City section. 

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RELEVANCE

Built with consideration for its setting, this pathway providers a functional community connection while honouring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. This project demonstrates our ability to undertake environmentally responsible civil engineering which reflects the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).