Key Takeaways
- The Pouākai Tarns boardwalk in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is undergoing upgrades as part of the Taranaki Crossing project.
- The upgrades may cause delays and affect visitors’ ability to take photographs, but will ultimately improve the visitor experience and protect the sensitive wetland environment.
- The project is a partnership between the Department of Conservation, Kānoa, and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū, and is expected to generate $3.7m annually for the region’s economy.
- The Taranaki Crossing project aims to protect the natural environment and provide a better experience for visitors, while also promoting the region’s economy.
Introduction to the Pouākai Tarns Walk
For many people who enjoy the Pouākai Tarns walk, getting the perfect shot of the maunga reflected in the water is a big drawcard. The Pouākai Tarns are a sensitive and significant wetland feature within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, offering visitors dramatic views of both the Pouākai Range and Taranaki Maunga. The area is a popular destination for trampers and nature lovers, who come to enjoy the peaceful and scenic surroundings. According to Department of Conservation Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki regional director Tinaka Mearns, the tarns are a fabulous and peaceful location that makes them so popular with visitors.
Upgrades to the Boardwalk
The upgrades to the Pouākai Tarns boardwalk are part of the final phase of the Taranaki Crossing project. The existing boardwalk will be replaced with a new one that is nearly twice as wide, at 1.2m wide, and will be elevated above the sensitive tarns at heights between 20-90 centimetres. The construction process is expected to take about nine weeks, weather allowing, and will involve staged closures of different sections of the boardwalk. Visitors are asked to be patient and understanding during this time, as the upgrades are necessary to protect the delicate environment and ensure that it remains healthy for future generations.
Importance of the Project
Taranaki iwi representative Jacqui King emphasized the importance of the project, saying that it is an exciting milestone for all partners involved. The project aims to protect the natural environment and provide a better experience for visitors, while also promoting the region’s economy. King said that the growing number of visitors had placed stress on the delicate environment, and that it is essential to ensure that it remains healthy for future generations. The extended and renewed boardwalk will allow people to continue to experience the beauty and mauri of this special place, without harming the fragile Taiao that lie beneath.
Project Partners and Funding
The Taranaki Crossing project is a partnership involving the Department of Conservation, Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū. The project was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund, which provided $16.4 million, and additional funding was provided by the Department of Conservation, which contributed $5.2 million. A feasibility study in 2017 identified that the project was expected to generate $3.7m annually for the region’s economy. The project partners are working together to ensure that the project is successful and that it benefits the local community and the environment.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the upgrades to the Pouākai Tarns boardwalk are an essential part of the Taranaki Crossing project, which aims to protect the natural environment and provide a better experience for visitors. The project is a partnership between the Department of Conservation, Kānoa, and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū, and is expected to generate $3.7m annually for the region’s economy. While the upgrades may cause some delays and affect visitors’ ability to take photographs, they will ultimately improve the visitor experience and protect the sensitive wetland environment. The project partners look forward to welcoming visitors who share their respect for this unique landscape and who will help to protect it for future generations.
