Kiriwai Reserve Stormwater outlet- The Stone Bridge

The proposal: To replace the stone bridge with a wooden bridge. This replacement would be located closer to the residences. Photo 1 & 2

The reason: The Stone bridge has been affected by coastal erosion damaging the abutments. Due to the materials used in construction it would not be cost effective to make the stone bridge safe. Photo 3

The History of the bridge: The stone bridge was a community project by members of Rotary so was constructed by volunteers.

Consultation: TCC approached residents bordering Kiriwai Reserve Fergusson Park (west) with details of the proposal requesting feedback to be submitted by 24 February 2020. It is pleasing to note that TCC has sought to consult with residents. The Matua Residents Assn in it’s submission to the ten year Plan requested that there be consultation with residents on matters that were particular to their locality, lifestyle and activities.

The Location:

The stormwater outlet over which the stone bridge is located is the dividing line between Kiriwai Reserve on the western side and Fergusson Park on the Eastern side. The area where kiteboarders set up their kites is in fact Fergusson Park but is commonly referred to as being part of Kiriwai Reserve. Photo 4 & 5

Currently although here is no formed walkway to and from the stone bridge the natural walkway is on a hard shoulder of the reserve. The proposed site of the wooden bridge would require a walkway to be formed through the winter “Wetlands” area.

Stormwater history :

Predominantly part of the Tilby farm the catchment area formed into a stream where water flowed from Levers Road, running between Tilby Drive and Matua Road. As the area was developed for housing a stormwater pipe was placed from Warrington Street into the rear of Pervical Avenue properties and ties in stormwater from Esme Place and Tainui Street. As well as rain run off there are natural springs that also feeds the flow. Photo 6

Stormwater Today:

TCC have identified this catchment as a Flood risk location. In 2005 this area was subject to flooding of the streets and several properties. Photo 7

TCC spent a considerable amount of money improving the Tainui/ Kiriwai Place stormwater drains, as well as recontouring the Reserve to allow surplus water to flow from the street to the harbour. Houses were purchased and removed in Warrington Street and Percival Ave to create a stormwater catchment area to “slow” the flow of water.

Changing weather patterns appear to support the likelihood that this will continue as a Flood Risk area and the stormwater outlet will see large amounts of water flowing through it.

In 2014 TCC applied for a Resource Consent to mitigate Flood Risk through five stormwater outfalls around Matua, Kiriwai Reserve outfall being one of these. To date no work appears to have been undertaken. It would appear that now is the time for this work to be completed resulting in no need for a bridge.

Coastal Erosion:

The letter to residents drew to their attention the wider issue of coastal and harbour erosion. www.tauranga.govt.nz / coastal erosion. In particular this refers to the likely rise of sea levels and the effect on the coastline, including harbour side properties and reserves. Kiriwai Reserve is identified as being directly affected by this process. Photo 8 and 9

The action to be undertaken through implementation of this policy may mean a bridge is not required.

Local knowledge:

Locals know well that through many months Kiriwai Reserve is not walkable and is little more than swampish. By covering in the drain would make it more usable as an extension of the kite boarders area or to have it planted with appropriate native coastal plants as on the harbour edge of the reserve. These current plantings act as an effective erosion control and are an indicator of what could be the answer for the frontage back to the boat ramp. The moving of the bridge would require a pathway to be formed across the middle of Kiriwai Reserve and logically extended from the bridge to the roadway at the western entrance to Fergusson Park.

Matua Residents Assn forwards this submission on the basis that the bridge replacement, or upgrade, is only part of the bigger picture that affects this location. To not address all issues at this time may be a short sighted approach and equal to a plaster solution to a large gash.

The combined Fergusson Park and Kiriwai Reserve is a popular destination for not just active sports. As the city population grows these areas are becoming increasingly utilised by residents for a range of outdoor leisure activities and play a vital part in keeping people off roads and playing locally.

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