The land surrounding the estuary is reserved for recreational use. Tamakae Reserve is located adjacent to King Street and opposite the historic Kentish Tavern, New Zealand’s oldest continually licensed pub (constructed in 1851). There are a number of historical features within Tamakae Reserve itself, including some historic buildings collected from the area (e.g. Waiuku Lock-Up, Pollok Cottage, Hartman House, Maioro School Building) the historic central wharf and Jane Gifford Wharf.

The Tamakae Reserve Wharf Upgrade project proposes to add both new and redesign existing features in order to re-engage the public with the Tamakae Reserve and to repair the existing retaining walls which are generally in poor condition.

The work involves:

• Reconstruction of the Historic and Jane Gifford Wharves, involving replacement of the existing retaining walls and other features
• Combination of hard and soft erosion management and landscaping works including stepped riprap bank design to reduce the heights of the banks of the estuary.
• Protection of the feature willow tree, pruning and limbing up of existing vegetation and an extensive planting plan
• Construction of concrete tidal terrace steps
• Upgrade of existing stormwater systems, including local drainage network and rock riprap aprons for scour/erosion protection at the Tiware Stream outfall.

The proposed works represent a significant advancement in turning the vision for this area set out in the Waiuku Estuary Management Plan and Reserve Management Plan into reality. They will extend and complement the landscaping works recently carried out along River Lane, which have been well received. The works have numerous other benefits, relating to the amenity and use of this area and allowing for other potential future activities that will contribute to improve public access.