Next Stage of Waverley Town Belt Track Underway

Work is now underway on the next stage of the Waverley Town Belt Track, with improvements set to enhance how the community enjoys and moves through the reserve.

Back in March, a blessing was held at the Town Belt on Chester Street ahead of construction, bringing together members of the local community, iwi representatives, and South Taranaki District Council. The blessing acknowledged the whenua and the significance of the area before work got underway.

Stage 2A of the project includes extending the pathway, improving access through the existing track, and adding a small car park and vehicle crossing. The work will also include fencing, pedestrian pathways, and other supporting infrastructure.

Excavat Earthmoving and Civil Contractors started on 12 May, with construction expected to take around eight weeks.

South Taranaki Mayor, Phil Nixon says alongside the construction, planting and environmental restoration are also an important part of the project.

“Council’s Forest Restoration team are delivering native planting across the site, with all trees already sourced. Future stages will include signage and viewing areas, developed alongside the community, iwi and hapu, helping tell the story of the area and strengthen connections to the environment,” he says.

The Town Belt Track project was first identified as a priority project in the 2019 Town Revitalisation Masterplan. Stage 1, completed in 2024 with support from Waka Kotahi, created the initial link between Aotea Park and Waitangi Road.

“Once complete, the project - part of the Council’s town revitalisation plan for Waverley, will provide more opportunities for recreation, support local biodiversity, and help create a greener, more connected space for the community to enjoy.”