Update on plans for The Ngaio Tree Area

From the Mapua Waterfront Working Group as published in the Coastal News July 2019 …..

“We’d really like to thank everyone who engaged in the community consultation processes. We’ve tried to capture the feedback and ensure it is reflected in the design.

This update is to keep you informed of what has been agreed, and importantly what has changed as a result of the feedback you have provided. A summary of the key design decisions is listed below, followed by further detail in the next section:

SUMMARY

• Retention and protection of the Ngaio tree
• Addition of  multiple  large  size  picnic  tables  and additional bench seating
• Trees introduced for shade in areas that minimise impact of the sea view
• Information panels narrating the pre and post-colonial history as well as retention of the cycle trail information board
• Increase in the number of bike storage areas and inclusion of a dinghy rack area
• Designated space for Tamaha Sea Scout boat trailer parking
• Inclusion of a small barked play area for toddlers next to the Ngaio Tree
• Lighting, recycling bins, a drinking fountain, and in-ground service box (including power supply)
• Low-lying coastal planting around most of the edging

 

Historical background influence on design

Artefacts from Rabbit Island (Moturoa) and the Māpua wharf area suggest Māori occupation from at least the 1400s. The Ngaio tree area, along with the wharf, the Waterfront Park, and Tahi St through to Grossi point is considered to be culturally significant to our mana whenua iwi and is listed as a cultural precinct with Heritage NZ. Through iwi monitoring of previous development in the area, middens, ovens, and waka landing sites were discovered. Other remnants also suggest that the space was previously used as a waka carving site. Given the sensitivity of the area, the Working Group has partnered with mana whenua iwi to ensure the proposed improvements are culturally appropriate  and  that ground  disturbance  is minimised.

In addition to the Māori history, the post-colonial history has also been acknowledged as an important consideration. The Sea Scout history dates back to the 1930s, and the wharf itself was critical in facilitating the early orcharding industry for the area.

There have been 3 key decisions made that relate to historical significance of the site numbers refer to Graphic):

• We will raise the ground level by approximately 10- 15cm, it will be held by timber edging with ramped access This will minimise potential for ground disturbance.
• We have included design elements to acknowledge the history of the site and its significance to Māori including the waka shape of the lawn area, a pou or sculpture at the ferry access point (point 6 on the diagram), and potentially a waka or boat structure in the barked play area (point 7 on the diagram).
• We have included interpretation panels that relate both the Māori history and the post-colonial history (point 9 on the diagram). These will be designed by a sub-group of iwi and local residents

DETAIL ( numbers refer to Graphic)

• Protection of Ngaio tree: the Ngaio tree has been a focal point of the design. There will be some minor work to keep the tree tidy and to protect its roots including a barked area around the tree.
• A family friendly area: we have concentrated on creating a range of family spaces, including picnic spaces, rest spaces, and play
• Greenspace: we have tried to maximise greenspace while maintaining cycle and pathway access to the This includes the lawn area at point 4 (24m x 11m) and native plantings around much of the edging, focussing on soft edges and natural flow.
• Cultural relevance, information panels, storyboards: we have ensured the history of the space is central to the design and have included information panels on either side of point These are designed in a way that won’t block the sea view.
• Shade: creating shade while maintaining sea views has been Three trees have been included at the north end of the lawn area. A tree has also been included to the right of point 1, next to the main picnic table area. There is still the option to explore shade sails or umbrellas once the development is complete.
• Ample seating and picnic tables: 3 large size picnic tables have been included, one at point 5 and the other two at point These are similar in size to the tables outside Alberta’s. Low level square structures have also been included under the tree area at point 4. Seven bench seats have been included – three at point 5, two at point 8, and two near point 10.
• Access to beach and ferry: access to the beach and ferry has been A pou, or sculpture has also been positioned near point 6 marking the entrance way.
• Boat-trailer parking for Sea Scouts: the area at point 10 has been designed to enable the Sea Scouts to continue their This includes a parking zone that will fit 3 cars with boat trailers (15m x 8.5m). The boat-trailer parking area utilised by the Sea Scouts will also be able to be used to load moored boats. Vehicle access is restricted from the wharf.
• Access to boat ramp and dinghy rack: the access to the boat ramp remains in We will look at resurfacing of the boat ramp as part of the general surfacing process. A dinghy rack is to be located near point 3
• Cycle access maintained: cycle access has been maintained with the main pathway around the lawn area completed in exposed aggregate The Great Taste Trail signage will remain in its current position. The width of the path between point 1 and point 6 is 1.2m.
• Bike stands: There are 3 bike stand One near point 2, one at point 3, and one near point 10.
• Surfacing of area: The area at the turning circle (below point 1), along with the walkway area to the wharf, and the new Sea Scout boat trailer parking area at point 10 will be resurfaced
• Rubbish / recycle bins: Bins have been situated to the right of point 1 (opposite main picnic area).
• Water access: A water fountain will be situated to the left of point 1
• Lighting: A lamp light is included at point There will be some up-lighting under the Nagio tree area. Additional solar lighting will be considered at a later stage if required.
• Minimisation of access between Golden Bear and family area: Native plantings have been used to significantly reduce the opening between the Ngaio Tree area and the Golden Bear to 2m. This exit must be maintained for health and safety reasons. Signage will continue to be used to communicate no alcohol past that point.
• Delivery truck access to Golden Bear: the current lease requires delivery truck access to the gate near point The width of the pathway is sufficient to facilitate access (3.5m). Delivery truck access is restricted to certain hours.

Once again, thank you for supporting this process, it’s made a huge difference!

A coloured version of the plan along with design information is available on the TDC website, or on the Māpua Waterfront Working Group Facebook page

NOTE: The Māpua Waterfront Working Group is made up of representatives from the Māpua community. It includes the local Community Association, the Business Association, Tamaha Sea Scouts, the Boat Club, Friends of  Mapua Waterfront, mana whenua iwi, and the Tasman District Council. Collectively the group is responsible for ensuring that the implementation of the TDC’s Māpua Waterfront Area Masterplan 2018 – 2028 is done in a way that the voice of our community is at the centre of the design and change process.”

 

Please let us know what you think by commenting on this post or   sending us an email , which John can then feedback to the Waterfront Working Group Committee.