Work along Carina Creek is part of the Whitianga Town Centre Upgrade, and responds to the desire to enhance connections to the harbour and town centre with greater high-quality pedestrian movement paths through Whitianga. Three key elements are the geo-sock living wall, progressive nature play elements along a new footpath, and tidal steps into the stream.

Originally designed as a standard stone wall to reinforce the banks of the stream, the upgrade takes a more holistic approach. The revised design includes a living wall which provides visual amenity and ecological habitat, and is a practical ‘green’ solution. Designed by Boffa Miskell with support from Dempsey Wood Civil and support from engineering firm Tiaki, this outcome was the preferred option for both Regional and District Council.

Planting used along the wall is responsive to the surrounding environment. This approach enables the protection of the stream’s fragile slopes from future erosion and the additional habitat enables both aquatic and terrestrial species to colonise.

The tidal steps (yet to be constructed) will bring a closer connection to the water, as it changes over the course of the day with tides rolling in and out. This creates a feature of the stream and encourages celebration of the space through a wider variety of uses.

Elements of progressive natural play elements along the path further activate and encourage the use of the stream corridor.