Upgrade of the Makarini Reserve to benefit the community

The Mackays to Peka Peka (M2PP) Alliance is teaming up with the Kāpiti Coast District Council to sponsor and carry out an upgrade of the Makarini Community Reserve in Paraparaumu. The Makarini Reserve backs onto the new M2PP expressway and the upgrade initiative is in response to a survey of residents by the Makarini Reference Group.

As part of these works the M2PP Alliance will be creating a new pathway, as well as planting the entrance-way and the edges of the reserve. In the first week of July work will start on the new path and for safety reasons, the reserve will be closed to pedestrians as works are carried out.

M2PP Project Manager Alan Orange is excited about the project and being able to give back to this community. “It’s great to be teaming up with the Council and local residents to leave behind enhanced amenities for the community to enjoy. We’ve been working in their backyards for three years now and it’s great to be able to agree on a community project that will benefit everyone in the area,” Mr Orange says.

Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says working alongside the M2PP Alliance and the neighbouring residents has led to an exciting opportunity for the Makarini Community Reserve.

“Developing and enhancing the recreational space is a great result for the community and we’re looking forward to seeing the pathway and plantings in place,” Ms Law says.

“Not only will this work help the local biodiversity, but it’ll provide a space for the community to enjoy together.

“We’ve enjoyed working as a partnership with the M2PP team and the community to push along this project for the benefit of our thriving, diverse and vibrant community.”

Karen Whibley, a representative of the Makarini Reference Group believes this is a good first step for future development.

“Historically the Makarini Reserve had been an important informal connection to the Te Roto Drive area. Initially this connection was lost as expressway works began but this initiative is allowing for a new link to Kapiti Road via the park.

“Development of this reserve will re-establish a safe and attractive link, and the work the M2PP Alliance and Kāpiti Coast District Council has started will provide structure to the reserve and is a good first step for any future development in the area,” Ms Whibley says.

The Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway is a $630 million project to build 18km of four-lane expressway along the Kāpiti Coast, including 18 bridges. This is one of seven projects that make up the Wellington Northern Corridor, a four lane expressway stretching from Wellington Airport to just north of Levin. The Wellington Northern Corridor is one of the Government’s Roads of National Significance and will result in safer journeys, shorter and more reliable travel times and improved regional access to the nation’s capital.

The Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway is being delivered by the M2PP Alliance which is made up of the NZ Transport Agency, the Fletcher Construction Company Ltd, Beca Ltd and Higgins Contractors Ltd.

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