4 | Project Update June 2017
PROJECT UPDATE
JUNE 2017
TE ONEWA PĀ UPGRADE
TREADING LIGHTLY
Sensitive and respectful construction and landscaping methods for the upgrade of Te Onewa Pā have been developed to minimise disturbance to this historical site. The timber walkway and platform will rest above ground, reducing the number of piles required and new fencing will re-use existing post holes, wherever possible. Low ground cover planting is preferred, avoiding the need to dig deep holes and ponga logs will be used to help to stabilise some areas. Native plants have been specifically selected based on their ability to thrive in the shady, windy, sea-spray conditions and no topsoil will be bought on to the site. Given the cultural and archaeological significance of the area there will be direct supervision of site works by iwi monitors and an archaeologist.
FAQ How long will construction take? The upgrade is anticipated to take approximately 4 months. Work will start in July although some early weed removal and site preparation work is already underway.
Will I be able to access the Reserve while it’s being restored? Public access will be closed during the work for safety reasons. Nearby car parking facilities will remain available throughout. Once work is complete, Te Onewa Pā will be a place for quiet reflection and opportunity to acknowledge the cultural and historical
significance of the area, while taking in the beautiful harbour views.
Will the construction work disturb neighbours? All work will be completed during daytime hours. The design principles and nature of the upgrade work means only small machinery is required to be on the Pā site. The use of hand tools, swamp mats and minimal ground disturbance will reduce the possibility of noise and dust which can be typically associated with construction projects. Should anything unforeseen arise which
could change our current construction plans we will endeavour to let neighbours know well in advance.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the work? The contact for any queries during construction will be the Auckland Harbour Bridge Alliance who are managing and supervising the works on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency. The Alliance office is located near Te Onewa Pā at 9 Princes Street, Northcote Point and the contact details are below.
Contact Us: Email: info@ahb.nzta.govt.nz Phone: 09 481 0078 After-hours phone: 0800 652 004
Located in Northcote Point under the northern end of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Te Onewa Pā (also known as Stokes Point Reserve) holds special significance in Māori and Auckland history. Work to restore and upgrade Te Onewa Pā will begin in July with some early site preparation and weed clearing already underway. The upgrade work will include the addition of a raised timber walkway and platform, replacement of a pedestrian bridge, new fencing and safety features, artwork and extensive landscaping. The upgrade work is expected to take
around 4 months to complete, from July to October, and is the final part of a wider programme which started in 2010. Previous work has included painting, interpretive signage on the Auckland Harbour Bridge piles and road surface markings recognising natural and cultural landmarks. The designs for the upgrade work have been closely developed with iwi and Auckland
Council ensuring recognition of cultural and historic values while enhancing the area and improving access for all. Once complete, Te Onewa Pā will be a place of quiet reflection and opportunity to acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of the area, while taking in the beautiful views of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.
2 | Project Update June 2017
Project Update June 2017 | 3
KEY FEATURES
AERIAL VIEW
TO CITY
NORTH
2. Replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge which crosses the Pā site’s defensive ditch. The defensive ditch is the only remaining visible feature of the historical Pā site and holds significant archaeological and cultural importance. The bridge replacement has been specially designed to not touch the defensive ditch, helping to conserve it for the future.
3
4 6
CAR PARK AREA
3. New fencing around the cliff edge to meet health and safety regulations.
2
4. Extensive site-specific planting to upgrade the area and help prevent erosion. The landscaping will include a mix of cliff planting, low growing groundcover, grass and ponga logs laid in a herringbone pattern and weed removal. All plants will be native with the majority grown from seeds or cuttings sourced from the Auckland area.
5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
1. Creation of a raised timber walkway and platform to improve access and minimise ground disturbance, while guiding and encouraging people to stay on the path. The existing memorial recognising the three workers who died during the harbour bridge construction will remain.
1
The upgrade of Te Onewa Pā and surrounding area has required careful consideration and collaboration, with the following principles guiding the design process: • minimise any new intrusion or disturbance of this special place (see next page for more details on how this will be managed during construction).
5. Installation of safety features such as entrance and exit gates so the Reserve can be closed at night. This is to discourage anti-social behaviour and support the respect and protection of the site.
• represent a journey to understanding and appreciation of this significant site. • create opportunities to share, respect, protect and celebrate cultural history and cultural identity of the site.
6. Iwi artists are also designing and creating an artwork to be installed at the completion of the upgrade.
• provide access while meeting health and safety regulations. • utilise urban design best practice.
A BRIEF HISTORY
1841 Te Onewa (also known as Northcote Point) was occupied by Māori for many centuries with the formation of Te Onewa Pā as a defensive headland site.
The site and surrounding area was sold to the Government and subsequently subdivided.
Mid
1800’s Establishment of a crossharbour transport link with construction of a wharf and road north.
1850 First Auckland Anniversary regatta with Aucklanders enjoying views of harbour events and activities.
1880’s The area is officially recognised as a Reserve.
Early
1900’s Construction of the flag staff to mark the elevation of Northcote to borough status.
1908 Planting of a Totara and enclosing pou (fence posts) signifying the special significance of the Pā to Maori.
1956 Construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge begins.
1959 Auckland Harbour Bridge opens. Memorial plaque recognising the three workers who died during the Auckland Harbour Bridge’s construction.
1969 Additional lanes added to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
2 | Project Update June 2017
Project Update June 2017 | 3
KEY FEATURES
AERIAL VIEW
TO CITY
NORTH
2. Replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge which crosses the Pā site’s defensive ditch. The defensive ditch is the only remaining visible feature of the historical Pā site and holds significant archaeological and cultural importance. The bridge replacement has been specially designed to not touch the defensive ditch, helping to conserve it for the future.
3
4 6
CAR PARK AREA
3. New fencing around the cliff edge to meet health and safety regulations.
2
4. Extensive site-specific planting to upgrade the area and help prevent erosion. The landscaping will include a mix of cliff planting, low growing groundcover, grass and ponga logs laid in a herringbone pattern and weed removal. All plants will be native with the majority grown from seeds or cuttings sourced from the Auckland area.
5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
1. Creation of a raised timber walkway and platform to improve access and minimise ground disturbance, while guiding and encouraging people to stay on the path. The existing memorial recognising the three workers who died during the harbour bridge construction will remain.
1
The upgrade of Te Onewa Pā and surrounding area has required careful consideration and collaboration, with the following principles guiding the design process: • minimise any new intrusion or disturbance of this special place (see next page for more details on how this will be managed during construction).
5. Installation of safety features such as entrance and exit gates so the Reserve can be closed at night. This is to discourage anti-social behaviour and support the respect and protection of the site.
• represent a journey to understanding and appreciation of this significant site. • create opportunities to share, respect, protect and celebrate cultural history and cultural identity of the site.
6. Iwi artists are also designing and creating an artwork to be installed at the completion of the upgrade.
• provide access while meeting health and safety regulations. • utilise urban design best practice.
A BRIEF HISTORY
1841 Te Onewa (also known as Northcote Point) was occupied by Māori for many centuries with the formation of Te Onewa Pā as a defensive headland site.
The site and surrounding area was sold to the Government and subsequently subdivided.
Mid
1800’s Establishment of a crossharbour transport link with construction of a wharf and road north.
1850 First Auckland Anniversary regatta with Aucklanders enjoying views of harbour events and activities.
1880’s The area is officially recognised as a Reserve.
Early
1900’s Construction of the flag staff to mark the elevation of Northcote to borough status.
1908 Planting of a Totara and enclosing pou (fence posts) signifying the special significance of the Pā to Maori.
1956 Construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge begins.
1959 Auckland Harbour Bridge opens. Memorial plaque recognising the three workers who died during the Auckland Harbour Bridge’s construction.
1969 Additional lanes added to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
4 | Project Update June 2017
PROJECT UPDATE
JUNE 2017
TE ONEWA PĀ UPGRADE
TREADING LIGHTLY
Sensitive and respectful construction and landscaping methods for the upgrade of Te Onewa Pā have been developed to minimise disturbance to this historical site. The timber walkway and platform will rest above ground, reducing the number of piles required and new fencing will re-use existing post holes, wherever possible. Low ground cover planting is preferred, avoiding the need to dig deep holes and ponga logs will be used to help to stabilise some areas. Native plants have been specifically selected based on their ability to thrive in the shady, windy, sea-spray conditions and no topsoil will be bought on to the site. Given the cultural and archaeological significance of the area there will be direct supervision of site works by iwi monitors and an archaeologist.
FAQ How long will construction take? The upgrade is anticipated to take approximately 4 months. Work will start in July although some early weed removal and site preparation work is already underway.
Will I be able to access the Reserve while it’s being restored? Public access will be closed during the work for safety reasons. Nearby car parking facilities will remain available throughout. Once work is complete, Te Onewa Pā will be a place for quiet reflection and opportunity to acknowledge the cultural and historical
significance of the area, while taking in the beautiful harbour views.
Will the construction work disturb neighbours? All work will be completed during daytime hours. The design principles and nature of the upgrade work means only small machinery is required to be on the Pā site. The use of hand tools, swamp mats and minimal ground disturbance will reduce the possibility of noise and dust which can be typically associated with construction projects. Should anything unforeseen arise which
could change our current construction plans we will endeavour to let neighbours know well in advance.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the work? The contact for any queries during construction will be the Auckland Harbour Bridge Alliance who are managing and supervising the works on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency. The Alliance office is located near Te Onewa Pā at 9 Princes Street, Northcote Point and the contact details are below.
Contact Us: Email: info@ahb.nzta.govt.nz Phone: 09 481 0078 After-hours phone: 0800 652 004
Located in Northcote Point under the northern end of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Te Onewa Pā (also known as Stokes Point Reserve) holds special significance in Māori and Auckland history. Work to restore and upgrade Te Onewa Pā will begin in July with some early site preparation and weed clearing already underway. The upgrade work will include the addition of a raised timber walkway and platform, replacement of a pedestrian bridge, new fencing and safety features, artwork and extensive landscaping. The upgrade work is expected to take
around 4 months to complete, from July to October, and is the final part of a wider programme which started in 2010. Previous work has included painting, interpretive signage on the Auckland Harbour Bridge piles and road surface markings recognising natural and cultural landmarks. The designs for the upgrade work have been closely developed with iwi and Auckland
Council ensuring recognition of cultural and historic values while enhancing the area and improving access for all. Once complete, Te Onewa Pā will be a place of quiet reflection and opportunity to acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of the area, while taking in the beautiful views of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.