HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

It has been a milestone year for Te Rā Nui as we’ve made major progress on improving essential infrastructure, restoring our natural environment, and getting ready for future homes. 

Here’s a look at what’s been happening:

A BIG YEAR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Back in 2023, Kāinga Ora and Porirua City Council signed an Infrastructure Funding Agreement to unlock three major upgrades needed to support new housing in eastern Porirua. In 2025, we reached a huge milestone by completing the first of these projects — and kicking off the next two.

BOTHAMLEY PARK: A MAJOR UPGRADE COMPLETED

In June 2025, Te Rā Nui and our development partners completed a full replacement and upgrade of 3km of the main wastewater trunk pipe running through Bothamley Park.

What this means for the community:

• The old, undersized, poor-performing pipes have been replaced

• Water quality in Kenepuru Stream and Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour is expected to improve significantly

• The park is now set up for a healthier future for both people and wildlife

Learn more and see photos from the reopening celebration.

CANNONS CREEK PARK: CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

In November 2025, work began on a major upgrade to Cannons Creek Park, including the creation of a new wetland. This wetland will naturally filter stormwater from the surrounding area before it reaches Kenepuru Stream and the harbour — a big win for the local environment.

What’s being delivered by JFC (John Fillmore Contracting Ltd) on behalf of Te Rā Nui:

• Improved drainage for our sports fields, reducing flooding

• A new wetland, created from the lower field, to improve water quality

• New stormwater and wastewater pipes through the park to Warspite Ave

• New recreation and community spaces, including:

  • Two whānau areas

  • Spaces for celebration and identity

  • An outdoor classroom and education zone

  • An area to connect with te taiao (the natural environment)

The upgrade will take around two years to complete. To mark the start of construction, about 100 people joined us in November for music, a barbeque, games and activities, and to look ahead to a greener, more vibrant future for eastern Porirua.

To read more about this project, visit our Cannons Creek Park and Wetland page.

A NEW WATER RESERVOIR FOR EASTERN PORIRUA AND WHITBY

Starting early 2026, construction will begin on a new, larger water reservoir behind the existing tank at the end of Stemhead Lane in Whitby.

This upgrade ensures local households have reliable access to clean drinking water — even during major weather events or disruptions to the wider network.

Key features:

• Designed using the latest seismic modelling and earthquake data

• Fully sealed to protect water quality

• Delivered by HEB Construction

• Expected to take two years to complete
  
  

Some quick facts:

• 13.5 million litres — total capacity of both tanks combined

• 3 km — of new pipes already installed to connect the reservoir

• 41 metres — the diameter of the new reservoir

Visit our reservoir webpage to learn more about this project.

LOOKING AHEAD

With one major project complete, one under way, and another about to begin, 2025 has been a year of real progress. These upgrades will make eastern Porirua safer, healthier, and better prepared for new homes and future generations.

TIMELINE

Summer 2025/26

• Preliminary designs finalised for the new reservoir (water supply tank)
• Cannons Creek Park and Wetland designs are finalised, and construction began in November
• Completion of 16 new social homes on Matahourua Crescent in Cannons Creek
• Completion of six off-site manufactured homes in Cannons Creek

Autumn/Winter 2026

• Construction to begin on the new reservoir in Stemhead Lane, Whitby
• Completion of 18 new market homes for Pasifika families through agreements with Ngāti Toa and their development partner, CPC 
• We’ll begin removing 14 homes from Castor Crescent, Cannons Creek to enable future redevelopment
• We’ll get under way with the construction of 32 new market homes in Esk
• We’ll begin building up to 30 social homes.

Summer 2026/2027

• Completion of up to 70 social homes

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

If you have questions, check out our project pages, FAQs, or get in touch with the team here.