Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project
Project overview
Taupo District Council is undertaking a $6.5 million Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project, funded by the government under the Crown Infrastructure Programme.
The project aims to improve streetscapes in Tūrangi township by repairing footpaths, kerbing and channeling that has been damaged by tree roots. This damage causes water pooling, is dangerous for pedestrians and those using mobility scooters, and we are also concerned that the tree roots will impact infrastructure like water and wastewater pipes.
In order to reinstate the kerbing and channeling we will unfortunately have to remove some trees, but we will be undertaking a replanting programme with tree species that are better suited to these locations.
When deciding which trees would have to be removed we engaged a consulting arborist as well as our parks and reserves team, and then presented options to the Tūrangi Tongariro Community Board.
The Board has chosen to undertake a first round of work involving the removal of 94 trees throughout the town, and we are currently working with the Board on how the community may be able to access the firewood that will be a result of this.
| Location: | Tūrangi |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Project budget: | $6.5 million |
| Start date: | September 2021 |
| Completion date: | Winter 2024 |
Project updates
18 AUGUST 2022: Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project making good progress
The ongoing project to revitalise Tūrangi streets is making good progress, with work currently underway in Raukura and Noni Streets and Patikura Place.
Project manager Peter van Niekerk said despite some delays due to disruptions to supply chains, the project was going well and was being warmly received by locals.
11 MARCH 2022: Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project back in full swing
Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions and some very uncooperative weather, the Tūrangi Street Revitalisation project is making great progress.
Packages one and two of the project were approved by the Community Board last year, and Project Manager Peter van Niekerk says the team have made excellent progress and are currently ahead of schedule.
27 OCTOBER 2021: First street complete
The Turangi Street Revitalisation Project has been making steady progress despite uncooperative weather and COVID-19 restrictions, with tree removal and new kerbing and channelling finished in Rangipoia Place and the replanting in place.
This is the first street in Package 1 of the project to be completed, and Turangi Tongariro Board members Rob Severne, Donna Searancke and Councillor John Mack were on hand to take a look.
“I would like to personally thank the team that are working on this project,” Cr Mack said.
6 SEPTEMBER 2021: Tūrangi replanting programme gets underway
With spring here, and under the move to Level 3, our contractor is set to start replacing trees removed in the Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project.
With new kerbing and channelling now completed in several streets, Board Chair Clint Green said it is now time to start replacing those trees that were removed.
“The new kerbing and channelling looks fantastic,” he said, “and the finishing touch will be to replant those trees that had to be removed so that we could put in the new kerbs.
25 JUNE 2021: Tūrangi Street Revitalisation Project right on track
With tree felling and stump grinding on Hingaia Street completed by local contractors PKV, it's now time for our Downer team to step in and start pouring new kerbing and channelling.
The government-funded project to upgrade footpaths and kerbing damaged by trees is progressing well and Downer Project Manager Brad McKenzie says the team are hitting their stride with Package 1 of the project.
"We had quite a few new hires join us on this project from the local community," Brad says. "Four have been through our Downer Road Ready programme to get them prepared for the civil industry.”
Project FAQs
What is the Turangi Street Revitalisation Project?
The Project is a government funded programme that will see $6.5 million spent on renewing kerbing and channeling on streets throughout Turangi township. The new kerbs will mean less water pooling and be safer for our community, less impact on our water and wastewater infrastructure, and improved streetscapes for Turangi.
Will the work involve tree removal?
Yes. A consulting arborist and our parks and reserves team have identified several trees that will have to be removed if we are to reinstate the kerbing and footpaths. We have worked closely with the Turangi Tongariro Community Board on this and the first programme of work will see 94 trees removed, located on Rangipoia Place, Tureiti Place, Mihipeka Grove, Paehoro Grove, Harata Street and Hingaia Street.
Will the trees be replaced?
Yes. We have worked with Community Board on an extensive replanting programme and this will begin once the work is completed and in an appropriate planting season. As some of these trees were poorly located, we will take into account the specific location and situation of each tree to be replanted, with our aim being to make sure our streets are still visually appealing and in keeping with the character of the town.
What type of trees will be replanted?
We will be replanting with a combination of native species and exotic deciduous trees so as to have a mix of colours and to attract bird life, and with varieties that will grow to a good height and shape without impacting infrastructure or causing issues like the existing trees. We are seeking the Turangi community’s input on what trees you’d like to see in your streets.
Survey on trees
We are seeking the Turangi community’s input on what trees you’d like to see in your streets.
This survey has closed, thanks for all of your feedback.
