Taylor Reserve, formally known as Wairākei (meaning translucent waters), is of significant value to mana whenua and the local community. The focus of the design is to retain the current uses and character of the reserve , while also improving amenities, access and providing for cultural recognition.
Community consultation update
In 2024, we asked the community for their thoughts on how they used the reserve and their ideas for improvements in the future. After reviewing the feedback, we have developed a final design which includes improving access to the beach at both ends, new pathways, shelter, a barbeque, cultural elements and planting.
Through feedback, we heard that a small playground was not wanted in this space. As a result, we are planning a larger playground at Simpson Reserve. Find out more about the Simpson Reserve project.
Full summary of feedback from the community consultation (658kb pdf)
Project scope
The final design includes:
- A concrete footpath that connects each side of the reserve to the public toilets. This will improve accessibility within the reserve, and connect to the Pāpāmoa Shared path via the access road.
- Widening of the car park driveway to allow two-way traffic and installing a footpath.
- Planting the existing low-lying area in the south-eastern corner of the reserve. This is the last remnant of the Wairākei Stream within Taylor Reserve which used to flow out to the ocean in this location. We intend to plant natives that are happy with damp feet. Note that we are not creating a wetland, and no earthworks are proposed for this area.
- An accessible lookout so that people with mobility issues can view the ocean.
- Cultural elements that recognise the cultural significance of this place.
- Additional seating, shade and a BBQ.
- Improvements to the eastern and western beach accessways including a blue accessibility mat at the beach access near the carpark.
- Planting of dune species and other coastal amenity species between the concrete footpath and the sand dunes.
- Planting a small number of trees to provide additional shade within the reserve.
Taylor Reserve Access Road improvements
We’re improving Taylor Reserve Access Road to make it safer and easier to use.
The new layout will widen the road to five metres and include a new 2.8m wide footpath.
We will also add a short section of footpath on the beach side of Pāpāmoa Beach Road to improve access for people coming from the bus stop and across the road. The footpath will be in front of properties 1007 - 1017 Pāpāmoa Beach Road.
There may be short term impacts, such as closure of the access road, while we carry out the work, but we’ll keep this to a minimum and give plenty of notice to residents.
Background
This reserve is the former outlet of the Wairākei Stream (before the headwaters were diverted and the farmland was drained in the 1920’s–1950’s). The reserve is of high significance to multiple iwi for many reasons. In more recent times the mouth of the Wairākei Stream became the new boundary between Tauranga Moana iwi and Te Arawa iwi once peace was made following the musket wars of 1835-1845. In 1865 it became the confiscation boundary line for Tauranga Moana iwi.
Taylor Reserve is named after the Taylor Family who created the Taylor, Motiti and Karewa subdivisions in the 1950’s-1960’s.
Resource consent conditions for stormwater discharge to the Wairākei Stream include requirements for cultural recognition within Taylor Reserve, and the development of a supporting landscape plan.
Engagement with the community on planned upgrades for this reserve was undertaken in 2017. The upgrade was then placed on hold shortly after.
Taylors Reserve - Concept plan (2.9mb pdf)
Pāpāmoa Reserves upgrades
Exciting improvements are coming to Pāpāmoa this year as we continue creating vibrant, accessible spaces for our community. These projects include Stage Two of the Pāpāmoa Shared Pathway (from Parton Road to Taylor Reserve) and the development of a new destination playground at Simpson Reserve. We’re also exploring the addition of an outdoor exercise area near the shared pathway at Parton Road.
To find out more, join us at our drop-in session on Monday 23 February from 5pm to 7:30pm at the Pāpāmoa Sport & Rec Centre (Driftwood Room), or sign up for Pāpāmoa Reserves upgrades e-news.
