In the early 2000's, the Great Harbour Way Coalition was formed, initially by a group of cycling and walking enthusiasts and later with the enthusiastic support of Hutt City Rotarians and other clubs from across the region. The goal of the Coalition was to advocate for the creation of a continuous pathway for cyclists and walkers around the entire length of the foreshore of Wellington Harbour.
(Great Harbour Way Coalition supporters, including Allan Brown (2nd from left), former chair of the Coalition and Linton Adams (far right), not Hutt City Rotarians)
While work proceeded on other sections of the pathway, the missing link remained the Petone-Ngauranga section. This would always be the most challenging and expensive element, incorporating as it does both a 5 metre-wide pathway and protection for the adjoining rail track.
At a launch event on 16 March, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Michael Wood, accompanied by the Lower Hutt and Wellington Mayors, the Chair of the Regional Council and other dignitaries, celebrated the commencement of construction of Te Ara Tupua; the Petone-Ngauranga seaside path.
The pathway will link with the existing Petone-Melling section and the full Hutt River Trail. It is expected to be completed in 2026.