Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink)is transforming central Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt through improved flood protection, transport improvements and city centre revitalisation. Delivered in partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Mana Whenua, the $1.5B programme progressed into delivery during 2025–26, with the scale of change becoming increasingly visible across the city.
Major delivery milestones included the closure and removal of Melling Station, the permanent closure of Block Road and the northern Riverbank car park, and the closure of the Queens Drive and High Street intersection for reconstruction. Enabling work continued, including the relocation of 33kV electricity cables to make way for new stopbanks and other major construction. This work forms part of a long-term investment in flood resilience, helping protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure while giving Te Awa Kairangi more room to move. To help maintain access to services as routes changed, a new park-and-ride opened at Petone, and temporary cycleways were put in place.
Work also advanced on the City Link Bridge, a safe, accessible walking and cycling connection between the city centre, the relocated Melling Station and the wider path network. Council began procurement for the bridge’s design and construction. Supplier events connected local businesses with procurement opportunities created by the programme.
As disruption increased, Council and programme partners coordinated work sequencing, traffic modelling, signal upgrades and traffic monitoring. A transitional parking plan was developed to support businesses and residents through changes to public parking, while a cross-partner disruption response group and business disruption group helped identify emerging issues and practical improvements. Together, these actions helped maintain access, support businesses and prepare the city centre for long-term change.
Council also continued planning for the city that will emerge from this work. The Business Advisory Group was established to ensure Hutt city centre projects are informed by business and to identify development impacts and opportunities. Engagement was undertaken on proposed city centre street upgrades and a new Riverside Park and carpark, and Council progressed plans to relocate the Riverbank Market to Dowse Square and the Civic Precinct.
Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink)
