The completion of Walter Mildenhall Park in September 2025 marked the final milestone of Whakatupu Ngaengae, Hutt City Council’s long-term investment in revitalising the heart of Naenae. Together with Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness and Te Mako Naenae Community Centre, the programme has transformed the town centre into a connected precinct that supports recreation, wellbeing, community connection and local business.
Developed in partnership with the community, Mana Whenua and project partners, the programme replaced ageing facilities with modern, accessible spaces designed to meet the needs of current and future generations. The three projects were intentionally designed to complement one another, creating welcoming public spaces and clear connections that encourage people to move through the town centre, spend time in Naenae and support surrounding shops and businesses.
The investment has also been recognised nationally, with Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness receiving multiple industry awards for its design, sustainability and community impact, including becoming New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star aquatic facility. These achievements reflect Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality community infrastructure that serves residents while setting a benchmark for sustainable public buildings.
The revitalisation has continued beyond completion of the core programme. Walter Mildenhall Park welcomed Lower Hutt’s first fully fenced, inclusive playground. Designed alongside accessibility advocates, local families and health professionals, the playground includes sensory play features and provides a safe, welcoming environment for children of all abilities, including tamariki who are neurodiverse or prone to wandering.
Whakatupu Ngaengae is one of Council’s largest place-based investments in recent years. By bringing together recreation, community facilities, public spaces and improved streetscapes, the programme has created a stronger, more vibrant town centre that will support the continued rejuvenation of Naenae for years to come.