Hidden green gem in Northcote gets a makeover!

24 May 2023

Northcote
News

Tucked away at the end of Kākā Street in Northcote is Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve. With Kākā Street currently closed due to construction, many locals may not know it’s there.

The reserve is the source of the Awataha stream and at its far end, where the water comes out of the ground, there’s beautiful, lush, green native bush.

Regeneration of the native bush

Thanks to the hard work of Kaipātiki Project since 2019, with the support of local volunteers, and funding from Eke Panuku, the reserve has started to be regenerated.

Together, they have done an amazing job removing bamboo and other pest plants and planting natives instead.

But there is still much to do to improve the reserve - so it’s getting a makeover!

The makeover

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Director, Eke Panuku, says, “Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway – will extend to Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve and the open space within it will be beautified and made more useable, for everyone to enjoy.

The open space will be landscaped and there’ll be new seating, educational signage, exploration trails, recreation spaces and artwork. Plus, we’ll restore the stream - repair slips, improve waterflow and provide safer access to the stream.”

Construction is due to start in June 2023 and take about 13 months. During this time, the open space area will be closed. Pedestrian access, via Martin Crescent, to the Aikido club in the reserve will be maintained (except for just one day towards the end of the project).

Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway

Once the makeover is completed, Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve will be the start of Te Ara Awataha. The greenway will extend along Kākā Street (due to open at the end of 2023) to Greenslade Reserve, and Cadness Reserve to Richardson park.

The stream has been brought to the surface from underground pipes along sections of the greenway to restore its mauri (life essence), create habitat for wildlife, and improve stormwater management. While the pathway provides safe, off-road access for pedestrians and cyclists and the opportunity for people to connect with nature.

The concluding section of Te Ara Awataha, around the edge of the new town centre, will be completed as part of the new town centre development, starting from 2027.

Kate says, “Te Ara Awataha is a truly collaborative project and one that will provide benefits to the Northcote community for long into the future.

We’re working in partnership with mana whenua, the Kaipātiki Local Board, Kāinga Ora, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters, Auckland Council, and community groups, such as Kaipātiki Project, as well as local schools.”

The regeneration of Northcote

The Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve upgrade, our involvement with Te Ara Awataha and the new town centre development, are part of our wider programme to regenerate Northcote and help it thrive.

Volunteers needed

Want to get involved in helping support Te Ara Awataha and restore the native bush in Northcote? Kaipātiki Project would welcome your support – find out more here.