Date set to officially open $50m Christchurch wetland project

A $50 million Christchurch wetlands project will be officially opened by Mayor Phil Mauger at a public ceremony on October 11.

Construction began on the 109ha facility in the upper catchment of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River in 2019 and has now been completed. 

The project was opened in stages during construction, including the walking and cycling tracks.  

Te Kuru features expansive wetland areas, stormwater storage, and filtration basins. The basins hold more than a million cubic metres of floodwater during major rain events, significantly reducing the risk of downstream flooding.

The basins also treat stormwater runoff from surrounding residential areas to improve water quality in the Cashmere Stream. 

Te Kuru also features large areas of natives flora, including 150,000 trees and 650,000 plants, along with bridges and about 14km of shared recreational paths for pedestrians and cyclists.  

Christchurch City Council head of three waters Gavin Hutchison said the wetlands will benefit the community by reducing the flood risk and creating new recreational and biodiversity opportunities. 

“This project has taken an incredible effort from staff, contractors and community volunteers.

"We are immensely proud of what we have achieved through collaboration with all parties. 

“Improving our floodplain and stormwater management was the catalyst for this project but a lot of work has gone into ensuring this area delivers long-term ecological and recreational benefits for the city. 

"People can enjoy this area when the stormwater basins aren’t being used to store flood water.” 

The name Te Kuru was recommended to the council by Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga. Te Kuru - which means 'the blow with the fist’ - was used by mana whenua to reference the area in the past.  

The public opening event will be held at Te Kuru on Friday, October 11, from 10.30am-12.30pm.

The best entry point to Te Kuru is from the new car park at 600 Cashmere Rd. A community planting day will also be held at Te Kuru on Saturday, October 12, depending on the weather.