Harbour Development
I am passionate about restoring and developing Porirua Harbour it is the gateway to our City and is our biggest asset that has been under utilised. Porirua City has grown with its back to the Harbour, we need to turn our focus to our greatest jewel and re-connect the Harbour to the City and our communities.
I invite you to look at the Takapuwahia Village Strategy that incorporates a boardwalk linking Titahi Bay & Takapuwahia through to the CBD. A Waka Shelter, Water Sports facility (to include classroom, viewing platform, bathroom facilities and storage), with a Performing Arts Centre to showcase the many talents we have in our City and landmark attractions such as carvings telling the story of the Ngati Toa migration to the present day linking water with land.
Porirua has extensive parks and walk ways, and Council are planning for more cycle ways. In our long term plan the walk way / board walk around the Harbour is to begin in 2013. My vision is for Porirua Harbour to be a national destination for water events linked with the City Centre Revitalisation Plan we can attract real economic growth and vibrancy which will capture Porirua City as a destination that encompasses more than retail shopping.
Of course this needs to be affordable. Private-public partnerships or a commercial investor could see this vision become a reality. See picture gallery
In the mean time your Council and Community have been proactive in moving the restoration of the Harbour along. Porirua City Council (PCC) is the lead agent in the Porirua Harbour programme and is committed to developing and implementing a Harbour and Catchment Strategy aimed at Harbour protection and restoration. This is a strategic planned approach with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), Wellington City Council (WCC) and PCC.
We also have the Harbour and Coastal Management Plan which explains the GWRC responsibility for managing Porirua Harbour and coastal waters.
My personal goal is that in ten years time Porirua Harbour will once again be a food basket for the residents of our city, our harbour will be a hub of activity and our waterfront will be a place of choice to visit, walk and play.
