Omanawa Falls

Tauranga

Client:

Tauranga City Council

Location:

Ōmanawa Falls

Project Budget:

$9 million

Project Partners

Ngāti Hangarau
Tonkin+Taylor
Isthmus
Avalon Industries
Walkway Solutions
GT Civil

Project Services

Strategic Advisory
Project Management

Project overview

Te Rere o Ōmanawa is a sacred place, a place for reflection, interpretation and healing. Listen to her sound and let it reverberate through you. Come and connect to the character of this place. Go with respect in your heart for this special place and its natural wonders. – Ngāti Hangarau

The restoration of Ōmanawa Falls represented a significant and meaningful project for Veros, working in close partnership with Ngāti Hangarau, Tauranga City Council, and the wider community. Tasked with reopening the falls following a closure due to safety concerns, the project aimed to restore the mauri (life force) of the area, making its breathtaking beauty safely accessible once again.

Project Highlights:

Over four years, the project unfolded through three main workstreams, with Veros leading the Safe Access initiative. This comprehensive effort included the development of a new car park, toilet facilities, cliff stabilization, and a ngahere (forest) walk featuring cantilevered stairs, bridges, and three new viewing platforms.
Incorporating mahi toi (artwork) and interpretive signage, the project uniquely celebrates local narratives and environmental connections, differentiating it from other New Zealand walks.
The project’s success hinged on collaborative efforts with mana whenua to realize their aspirations, showcasing the area’s natural and cultural heritage through thoughtful design and storytelling.

Veros navigated the project’s complexities with a focus on safety, cultural integrity, and environmental sensitivity. The project solutions were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering unique perspectives and enhancing visitor experience. Key to our approach was fostering strong communication and alignment among diverse stakeholders, ensuring a unified vision and purpose. Our team excelled in coordinating between various stakeholders, including local iwi, council, and community groups, to achieve a cohesive and shared outcome.

Challenges faced during the project journey included Addressing the site’s unstable cliffs and sensitive ecological and cultural areas required innovative engineering and respectful planning.

Julie from Veros was instrumental in the success of the Ōmanawa Falls project. Her commitment, detailed reporting, and timely issue escalation were standout qualities. She navigated the project's challenges and high-risk environment with flexibility and a keen focus on cultural principles. Julie's practical approach during construction ensured accountability, making her an invaluable partner in our project.

Ana Hancock

Project Lead, Tauranga City Council

Project outcomes

With plans for a Ranger Office and Visitor Centre by the end of 2024, the transformation of Ōmanawa Falls is set to continue. These additions will enhance the kaitiaki (guardianship) efforts of Ngāti Hangarau and Tauranga City Council, offering visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area’s natural and cultural significance.

The restoration of Ōmanawa Falls stands as a testament to the power of partnership, cultural respect, and innovative project management. Veros is proud to have contributed to a project that not only revitalises a treasured natural landmark but also reconnects it with its cultural roots, offering tranquility to all who visit.