Event

Māori called this once pure stream Waitītiko, “the waters of the periwinkle”, but it has suffered as a result of urbanisation. As you walk, you’ll learn about the creek’s history including contemporary restoration attempts. Waitītiko-Meola Creek has a large urban catchment, the stream often submerged in culverts or confined to channels. Waitītiko flows into the Waitematā Harbour, then the Hauraki Gulf, ultimately connecting to the Pacific Ocean.

In this time of environmental degradation, we recognise that Waitītiko, like thousands of other waterways, links with the Pacific and beyond. Whether this connection worsens or improves the world’s oceans depends on us. There will be two guided walks which between them follow much of the course of Waitītiko.

Day 1 is from Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert to Rocket Park; Day 2 covers Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre to Te Tokoroa Meola Reef. During these walks we’ll unpack the creek’s history and discuss future restoration plans. Follow the route of the creek through Roy Clements Treeway, named for former Mt Albert Grammar (MAGS) teacher who instigated the restoration here. Roy is likely to be in attendance along with students from the MAGS music department who will be doing brief recitations along the walkway.

Where meet at the tihi / summit of Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mount Albert

When Saturday 28 September, 1pm

Tickets the walk is free but ticketed. Please book through Humanitix for Day 1 and/or Day 2

Getting there The #66 bus stops on Mt Albert Rd near Toroa Tce (Stops 8823 & 8816), which can be used to access the maunga summit. Use AT Journey Planner to, er, plan your journey. Cars and bikes can park at Ōwairaka Domain, 27 Summit Drive, or on Mt Albert Rd (access up Toroa Tce).

Getting back plan your journey home from Rocket Park, 751 New North Rd. The walk back to Owairaka Domain car park is 1.5km. We plan to have free vehicle shuttle available.

Bring dress for the weather including strong footwear. The walk is over 3km long, sometimes on rough ground, and you may need to walk back to your starting point.

There will be two guided walks which between them follow much of the course of Waitītiko. The first is from Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert to Rocket Park and the second from the Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre to Te Tokoroa Meola Reef. During these walks we’ll unpack the creek’s history and discuss future restoration plans.

Group: STEPS