Te Whau Pathway Project will act as a catalyst for growth and help level-up Auckland, boosting economic development in suburbs such as Glendene, Kelston and Avondale. Better connectivity will open up both new employment and leisure opportunities in West Auckland and beyond.
The direct economic benefits of Te Whau Pathway are estimated to be $172.1 million (health, reduced commuting costs and safety for pedestrians and cyclists).
Health benefits
- Physical activity encourages healthy growth and development and helps to maintain a healthy weight, improving muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
- Travelling actively builds exercise into the daily routine. It is recommended that 5 – 18 year olds get 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise every day.
- Exercise can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Short car journeys, like travelling to school, create the most pollution.
Regular aerobic exercise is known to cut the risk of heart disease, type-two diabetes, all types of cancer, high blood pressure and obesity, and evidence shows that New Zealand communities with higher numbers of people cycling and walking, especially for transport purposes, have better health profiles than those in less active neighbourhoods.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency: Benefits of investing in cycling in New Zealand communities (2015)
Catalyst for growth
Savings in household expenses
The typical annual mileage for a household car is 14,000 km. According to Inland Revenue the actual average cost of owning and operating a car amounts to $0.83 per kilometre. This translates to an annual expenditure of $11,620 for car ownership and operation.
In the Whau Catchment Area, it’s estimated that there are 74,600 cars/light vehicles, resulting in a collective annual cost of $887 million for usage. If individuals in the Whau Catchment Area could reduce their usage by just 10%, they would see joint annual savings of nearly $88 million, equating to $2,816 per household.
Local businesses
The pathway will increase the visibility and desirability of nearby businesses. There is an estimated annual footfall of 328,500 walkers and cyclists upon completion. Local businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and gyms, are poised to benefit from increased patronage, adding to West Auckland’s economic ecosystem.
The three existing bike repair and maintenance facilities in Glendene and New Lynn are expected to experience a considerable uptake in demand, with plans underway to potentially establish similar facilities in Avondale and Kelston, further promoting cycling culture and boosting related businesses.
The pathway is likely to boost ebike sales, a trend that has been gaining momentum in New Zealand. in 2021 77,000 electric mopeds and bikes were imported into the country – compared to fewer than 15,000 in 2017. That’s an increase of more than 500% in just four years. Notably, in various European markets, ebikes now surpass 50% of total bicycle sales.
The project aims to also buy natives plants from local nurseries that will be planted along the river and pathway, leading to increased job opportunities and community engagement.
Tourism
The pathway has tremendous tourist potential. It will be the only safe off-road route connecting the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. It is expected to boost water-based activities such as waka ama, kayaking, and fishing competitions.
As an appealing tourist destination, with water and greenery surroundings, we are also likely to an increase in educational, environmental and heritage walks that will draw tourists and educate local communities.
Tourists will contribute to the local economy by spending money on accommodations, meals, and activities, thus also creating jobs in our community.
Work opportunities
As more people opt for sustainable modes of transportation, the pathway is expected to stimulate local economic growth by encouraging businesses to invest in the area and making West Auckland an even more attractive place to live and work by reducing the burden of transportation costs for residents.
In addition, with a projection of creating 80 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and support needed for ebike sales, the project aligns with the growing trend of sustainable transportation options in New Zealand. This will result in potential household savings stemming from reduced car usage which underscores the financial benefits for local residents.
The bottom line
Te Whau Pathway is an excellent initiative that not only provides recreational and environmental benefits but also has the potential to promote significant economic growth in its surrounding areas. By creating a beautiful and accessible pathway along the Te Whau River, it opens up opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and community development.
It will also enhance the overall well-being of the community. Please see our pages on having a cleaner river, health benefits and better journeys.
Better journeys
More efficient journeys
Check out these estimated travel times for normal cyclists! Ebikes will be even faster.
| From | To | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | Avondale cycleway (via New Lynn) | 12 min |
| Green Bay | New Lynn Transport Interchange | 14 min |
| Kelston | Avondale cycleway (via New Lynn) | 18 min |
| Kelston | New Lynn Transport Interchange | 20 min |
| Glendene | Northwestern cycleway (SH16) | 19 min |
| Glendene | Te Atatū Bus Interchange | 23 min |
| Te Atatū South | Northwestern cycleway (SH16) | 10 min |
| Te Atatū South | Te Atatū Bus Interchange | 14 min |
More travel options
Te Whau Pathway is a dedicated pathway that will give pedestrians and cyclists a travel alternative to main routes such as Te Atatū Road and Great North Road. These roads are usually heavy with traffic and they have the safety issues of arterial and collector roads. Vulnerable road users such as young or inexperienced cyclists don’t see these routes as a viable travel option.
A travel route needs to feel safe for people to see it as a good option. Dedicated pathways are safe pathways and lead to more active mode journeys – particularly shorter journeys – being the natural choice whether going by foot or by pedal power.
60 per cent of Aucklanders would cycle if separated cycle facilities were installed… the single greatest barrier to cycling in Auckland is that its roads are perceived as unsafe to cycle. Auckland Transport: Auckland Cycling Programme (2015)
Children’s travel to school
There are 34 schools and over 18000 children living near Te Whau Pathway. Some of these children walk to school and already enjoy the benefits of an active commute.
Walking to school has positive impacts on children’s and adolescents’ mental and physical health and alertness now and into the future, increases social connectedness, reduces congestion and air pollution. Living Streets Aotearoa
When Te Whau Pathway is finished, more children will be able to walk to school as Te Whau Pathway will make their actual journeys shorter. For other children it will make their journeys seem shorter as they will be able to avoid heavy traffic routes. (Research shows that pedestrians perceive journeys with less traffic as shorter than if the same distances was travelled on a route heavy traffic.)
How will Te Whau Pathway change your child’s travel to school?
The schools in the map below will be effected by Te Whau Pathway because their zones include Te Whau Pathway. Some of the schools on this map are not zoned – we included these if they were near enough to Te Whau Pathway that children may use the pathway as part of their routes to school. Note that if a child doesn’t use the pathway for their travel to school, they may still use it in their leisure time.
To view a larger map, click on the icon in the top right hand corner of the map.
Accessible routes
Te Whau Pathway is a smooth car-free pathway designed for everyone using active modes of transport. Those who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or parents with strollers and prams can enjoy a journey without the difficulty of curbs or steps. A smooth path is a more inclusive and accessible path.
Enjoyable travel
Getting from A to B doesn’t have to be a grind. All that time spent waiting in your car in traffic could be spent travelling through parks next to ever-changing tidal river. This is the uniqueness of Te Whau Pathway, it is a journey through a little bit of West Auckland urban wilderness, it is a blue-green experience.
Active modes of transport keep your travel times consistent – never be late to a meeting again! Unlike vehicles, active modes of transport are not subject to traffic jams, making travel times easier to estimate.