The Tupua Horo Nuku resilience project (seawall and shared path) is proving very popular, but is also bringing focus to the areas where there are still issues. This post is to put the current situation (3 May 2026) into context and describe possible next steps.
Days Bay not included
Days Bay was not included in the path plans for well reported reasons, the main one being that the Days Bay section was complex, design and consultation would have been prolonged, and had it been included the project would probably not gone ahead under the Shovel Ready funding criteria (1).
The transition / corner between Sunshine Bay and Days Bay
This was always considered to be a challenge, onsite consultation occurred, and the issues were raised at both consultations and ECB meetings, but as can be seen from the design document ( https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/14264/Sunshine-Bay-BSUDP-final.pdf ) the project scope never extended around the corner. The only suggestion taken up was to move the cyclist crossing away from the corner back towards the petrol station (whether this is far enough is debatable). Other actions were discussed, but these were outside the scope of the project.
What now?
The jurisdiction and responsibility now lies with HCC Roads, Traffic and Parking. Our first concern is to make the transition and corner as safe as possible. Suggestions made include the addition of signs to remove the surprise to walkers and cyclists, to alert drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other users to the hazards, and promote safe behaviour by all parties.
- Drivers travelling in both directions should be warned to be alert to cyclists crossing and riding around the corner.
- Cyclists, pedestrians and others approaching from the Sunshine Bay direction should be given sufficient warning that the path is about to end, and that it resumes at the southern end of Days Bay.
- At the crossing point before the corner, cyclists should be advised to cross if they wish to ride around the corner, or get off and walk if they wish to remain on the seaward side.
- A continuous walking path should be clearly marked (green paint) around the corner (currently not continuous).
- Signage at both ends of the boardwalk for cyclists to walk
- Sign at the Mā-Koromiko / Windy Point path end could also inform users that the path resumes at Sunshine Bay.
- Possibly include a green marked path along the hill side of the road from Ferry Road to Williams Park.
What can you do?
- Express your concerns via the Report a Problem form on the HCC website – if you register / login you can track your issue.
- The ECB is having our walk-about on 23 May – get in touch with your Residents Association or ECB if you want to raise any issues in relation to your area.
- ECB is planning to run a new Community Survey to identify community priorities (it’s been 10+ years since the last one), so let us know what you would like to be included in this, and have your say when the opportunity arises later this year.
Lowry Bay
The bus stops and crossing at Lowry Bay has also been identified as a safety issue. This is currently under review by HCC with the inclusion of the Days Bay Residents Assn. (DBRA) and others.
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- “Shovel-ready” funding refers to government-allocated, fast-tracked investment for infrastructure projects that can begin construction immediately (usually within 6–12 months) to stimulate the economy and create jobs, heavily utilized in New Zealand for COVID-19 recovery. These projects often focus on transportation, housing, environmental, and community upgrades. Target: Projects with high “construction readiness,” meaning consents and planning are nearly complete.