Tonkin + Taylor and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, in collaboration with Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and Te Ara Tupua Alliance, is thrilled to announce that the Te Ara Tupua Project has been awarded the Transportation Project of the Year at the Environment Analyst Sustainability Delivery Awards in Chicago, USA.
This accolade recognises the meaningful collaboration and innovative sustainability practices demonstrated by all involved.
Building Resilience Along Wellington’s Coastline
In Aotearoa, New Zealand’s capital Pōneke (Wellington), a landmark transport infrastructure project is taking shape that reflects not only engineering excellence, but also deep partnership with iwi mana whenua and a commitment to sustainability. Te Ara Tupua is a shared walking and cycling path that will provide a vital connection between Wellington and Petone, while strengthening the resilience of a nationally significant transport corridor.
In an earthquake prone city and along a windswept coastline, the project is designed to withstand the environmental, social, and economic challenges inherent to the region. It also enhances the resilience of the adjacent Hutt Valley rail line and State Highway 2, two critical components of the national transport network.
Working together, with partnership at its core
At the heart of Te Ara Tupua is a unique partnership model that has been in place since the project’s inception. Waka Kotahi, New Zealand Transport Agency, has worked in close collaboration with iwi Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, to develop a shared approach that reflects the intergenerational view of Māori. This relationship is formalised through the Project Steering Group, where iwi representatives are involved in all aspects of the project, including procurement, design, construction, monitoring and compliance.
“This international recognition on the world stage shows our people that their indigenous potential is valued globally, and importantly, it shows the world that there is a powerful and new way to do partnership in action.” – Kim Skelton, Steering Group Chair.
Kura Moeahu of Taranaki Whānui gifted the name Te Ara Tupua (The Ancient Pathway) as an acknowledgment to the guardians of the harbour, Ngāke and Whātaitai, the two tupua (ancient phenomena) who created Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington Harbour) in the Māori creation narrative.
Delivering through collaboration
This project is delivered through an Alliance contract model comprising Waka Kotahi NZTA, Tonkin + Taylor, Downer NZ, and HEB Construction. The alliance structure has fostered a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, care, and shared purpose.
Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One, the middle section of Te Ara Tupua, includes a 4.5-kilometre shared path constructed along reclaimed coastline. The design incorporates seawalls, revetments, culvert extensions, and ūranga – gathering and viewing points that offer space for rest, reflection, and reconnection with the habour environment. The project is now approximately 60 percent complete and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Embedding Sustainability at Every Stage
From the outset, the project team developed a Project Sustainability Policy to embed environmental, social, and cultural sustainability into every stage of the project’s lifecycle. Te Ara Tupua is using the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) rating scheme to measure its performance across 25 categories, exceeding standard practice in several key areas.
The completed path is projected to increase walking and cycling by approximately 1,700 journeys per day. The shift toward active transport modes will continue to contribute to emission reduction, support public health outcomes, and ease pressure on existing transport networks.
Honouring Te Ao Māori in Design and Delivery
Cultural values and te ao Māori principles are central to the project and have been embedded in practical and meaningful ways. These include the incorporation of mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, kaitiakitanga, and tikanga Māori across the project team and design. Initiatives have included the development of cultural graphics, carved taonga, language revitalisation programmes, cultural monitoring roles, and a reef research project that is creating long-term career pathways for iwi.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Te Ara Tupua is not only a transport shared-path corridor; it is a legacy project that reflects a shared commitment to partnership, sustainability, and respect for the land and waters of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). It is a model for how infrastructure can be delivered in a way that uplifts communities, honours indegenous culture, and creates lasting value for future generations.
