Western Bay of Plenty Council has announced a new shared path and pedestrian bridge for Waihī Beach to make it easier for people to walk or cycle into the town centre.
The new link will connect Wilson Road and Edinburgh Street, with a bridge across Two Mile Creek.
A boardwalk from the Wilson Road car park will lead to the bridge, which will then continue as a shared concrete path for walking and cycling on the other side.
The path will feature a kōwhaiwhai pattern depicting the mangōpare (hammerhead shark) – a symbol of strength and determination. The design, gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao, was selected from the wharenui at Otawhiwhi Marare, and will be sand-blasted into the concrete path. Acknowledging mana whenua and their connection to the area, the same kōwhaiwhai was gifted to Waihī Beach’s new library and service centre, Te Ara Mātauranga, which was recently opened.
The land next to the shared path will remain in gravel for the time being, so it can be used for overflow public car parking, the Council confirmed.
“This new connection will make it simpler and more enjoyable to get around Waihī Beach without needing to jump in the car. It’s a great addition for both locals and visitors,” says Council’s Cycleways Manager, Scott Parker.
“We’re grateful to Te Whānau a Tauwhao for sharing this kōwhaiwhai with the community. It’s a meaningful addition to the path and a way for everyone to walk with a deeper sense of place.”
Initiated by the Waihī Beach Community Board, the project is included in the community board’s Waihī Beach Town Centre Plan, reflecting a commitment to better access and making the town more pedestrian and cycle friendly. It is being funded through Council’s Waihī Beach Structure Plan.
Work is expected to start this week and be finished by mid-September 2025, depending on the weather. During this time, part of the Wilson Road car park will be closed.
“There will be some noise and vibration while the piling is being done, but we’re doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum – all work will take place during daylight hours, and we’ll be keeping locals updated as things progress,” said Mr Parker.
Updates on the project can be found at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/Wilson-rd-link-bridge.
