Background
In August 2022 a large slip occurred at Wilton Park which flowed down to the Kaiwharawhara Stream.
The slip affected the use of Wilton Park for sporting activities and temporarily closed the popular Kaiwharawhara Track that runs along the stream between Ian Galloway Park and Ōtari-Wilton Bush. Due to the reduction of the size of the playable area, the park will no longer be available for summer cricket and options for winter sports in 2023 are being assessed.
The slip was primarily made up of local soil and rock which was used to fill in a gully in the 1950s to create the sports field. A large amount of sediment has been discharged into the stream and Wellington Harbour as a result.
About the project
Plans are being developed to make the site safe in the short term and temporarily opening up access for walkers along the Kaiwharawhara track this summer.
We have an initial engineering report which details risks associated with the slip and options to remediate the site and make it safe. Options include:
- battering the slope to reduce risk of further slips
- removing the mud/vegetation blocking the stream
- reinstating the track, picnic area and native forest which were all affected by the slip.
Longer term options for Wilton Park are being explored and opportunities for public input into this process will happen in the future. Master planning which is underway for the nearby Ian Galloway Park may also affect the options for this area.
Wilton Park will remain closed to the public for the remediation earthworks which are happening in phases from March 2023.
Updates
The first phase to recontour the top of the slip is complete, and we are monitoring the area for any movement. The second phase is also complete and involved removing the dead trees blocking the stream which were causing the excess sediment to enter the stream from the slip.
Planting on the slip face and streamside will continue until the slip and streambanks are stabilised. The Kaiwharawhara Track is open at all times as is Ōtari’s Southern Picnic Area next to the slip.
Contact us
For more information contact David Halliday, Project Manager Parks and Open Spaces.
Email: david.halliday@wcc.govt.nz