The community celebration for the opening of the Tupua Horo Nuku path has been postponed to Sunday due to a forecast of strong wind and rain.
Hutt City Council announced the main event, originally scheduled for Saturday, 18 April, will now take place from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 19 April. The decision was made to ensure public safety and enjoyment amid the adverse weather predictions.
However, the Tā i te Kawa (dawn blessing) will proceed as planned on Saturday at 6am at Whiorau Reserve. The ceremony is set to be led by esteemed Te Āti Awa rangatira Kura Moeahu with iwi rōpū Puharikiriki, and will feature Waka Ama on the harbour and Te Whakakāinga Ahi (the lighting of a fire), honouring the cultural significance of the new infrastructure.
The 4.4km shared path and seawall along Marine Drive connects Ngau Matau/Point Howard and Eastbourne, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project for Lower Hutt’s Eastern Bays. It is designed to provide a safer space for pedestrians and cyclists while simultaneously bolstering the resilience of the vital coastal route.
A milestone for coastal resilience
The Tupua Horo Nuku project represents a significant investment in the region's future, addressing long-standing vulnerabilities along the Eastern Bays coastline. The area has historically been susceptible to coastal hazards, including erosion, storm surges, and the ongoing effects of sea-level rise.
The project’s objectives were twofold: to enhance safety for all road users by separating foot and cycle traffic from vehicles, and to increase the coastline's resilience against natural hazards. The new seawall acts as a critical barrier against erosion, protecting the roadway and nearby properties from damage during severe weather events. During construction, workers discovered several sinkholes hidden beneath the road, which had been dangerously eroded from below by the sea, highlighting the urgent need for the upgrade.
It is not only providing shared path facilities so people can walk, cycle, scoot and push prams safely separated from the traffic, but has improved the resilience of our eastern bays with a new seawall. Three years ago, before the project started, we had to close the road numerous times with severe weather and waves crashing across Marine Parade. Earlier this year we had a storm that was much bigger than anything we had three years ago and we were able to keep the road open due to the improved resilience of the new seawall. This is a significant benefit to a community with only one road in and out.
A journey from concept to completion
The path to completion has been a long one, beginning with early community engagement back in 2015. After securing consent approvals between 2019 and 2021, construction officially began in August 2022.
The $81.87 million project was a collaborative effort. It was delivered in partnership with Mana Whenua (Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira), the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Te Ara Tupua Alliance, which consists of Downer NZ, HEB Construction, and Tonkin + Taylor. Funding was provided by the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group Fund ($30 million), NZTA ($25.47 million), and Hutt City Council ($26.4 million).
Construction was carried out in stages, with the first section at Mā-koromiko opening in November 2023. This was followed by completions in Sunshine Bay and York Bay in December 2024, Ngau Matau / Point Howard in November 2025, Sorrento Bay in December 2025, and the final section at Whiorau Lowry Bay in April 2026, leading up to this weekend's official opening.
Community celebration on Sunday
Despite the one-day delay, the community event promises a full schedule of activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy artwork installations created with local artists, a stamp trail with prizes, and free bike tune-ups from Free Ride.
For those interested in eBikes, experiences will be offered by Melo Yelo and Wildfinder. The Eastbourne Historical Society will have displays on local history, and there will be children's activities like face painting and nature play. A selection of food trucks and local eateries will also be on-site.
Wellington Free Ambulance is also expected to be present, providing community support and CPR training demonstrations. The event marks an opportunity for residents of Eastbourne and the wider Lower Hutt community to experience the benefits of this transformative project firsthand.
