Wahi O Waipapa wetland development
Kia ora, welcome to the Wahi O Waipapa wetland development project page. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the project, including latest updates, and a timeline of upcoming steps. Check out the information on the right-hand side of this page for all this and more.
About the project
The Wahi O Waipapa Wetland project, part of the wider Prole Road urbanisation project, is an integral part of our environmental management and urban planning strategy, designed to enhance local biodiversity while addressing the critical need for sustainable stormwater management in our expanding urban areas.
Named by Pirirākau hapū, ‘Wahi O Waipapa’ pays homage to the Waipapa River, a historically significant waterway for Māori communities, used for safe navigation and transportation of wakas.
The main purpose for the wetland is to treat stormwater runoff from Prole Road, but wetlands serve a few important purposes:
Natural filtration systems: The wetland will function to naturally filter pollutants from urban runoff, improving water quality before it reaches local rivers and streams.
Wildlife habitats: Designated areas within the wetland will be optimised to support a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to regional biodiversity and offering educational opportunities for local schools and organisations.
Flood control: They absorb excess rainwater and help reduce flooding by slowing down water flow.
Carbon storage: They can store carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
Groundwater recharge: They help replenish groundwater supplies by allowing water to seep into the ground.
At the same time, we’re also developing the area to include a reserve area, with park benches, parking and ablution facilities.
