Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park
The Alexandra Riverside Park Trust (the Trust) and the Central Otago District Council are collaborating to deliver the Trust's vision to rejuvenate lower Tarbert Street in Alexandra by creating a new public space development at the junction of the Clutha River/Mata-au and Manuherekia River. Walkways, terraces and seating will transform the area into an attractive space for locals and visitors to enjoy. These improved spaces are the building blocks from which businesses and activities can grow.
Aukaha, representing Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou mana whenua in Central Otago, has partnered with the Central Otago District Council, Riverside Park Trust and the local community to integrate mana whenua values and narratives at Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park. This initiative seeks to rejuvenate the heart of Alexandra, creating a deeper connection to the rivers and enhancing the central business district (CBD) with pathways that draw people to the riverside.
The project aims to improve access to Alexandra’s pedestrian hub while establishing a natural meeting point for cyclists and walkers navigating the local track network. This location presents a unique opportunity to increase the visibility of Kāi Tahu identity, stories, and values in a place of central importance—bringing Kāi Tahu culture into the built environment.
Project Update. 26 September 2025
After months of careful planning and construction, the next stage of Kāmoanahaehae Riverside Park is now complete, offering the community a refreshed space to gather, connect and enjoy the riverside.
This stage of the project, centred on the new plaza, was acknowledged today with a Karakia by Whaea Francie Diver, followed by Waiata, marking the site as a place of significance and welcoming the community to experience the newly completed area.
The new plaza and surrounding areas feature walkways and seating that create inviting spaces and lay the foundation for future cultural and community activities. The area brings together modern amenities and thoughtful design including new toilets and benches which will have solar-powered “smart seats” for charging devices and public Wi-Fi.
Connecting lower Tarbert Street to the walking and cycling paths, the plaza makes the riverside more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The next stage of the project will deliver a boardwalk, improved river access and a connection to the Linger & Die area, further transforming the area into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors.”
The project is a collaboration between the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, Central Otago District Council, Aukaha and the local community with completion anticipated by early 2026.
To read the full media release click here.
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Excited about this project and want to keep in the know? Stay Informed by clicking the subscribe button on this page and you'll receive email newsletters updating you on progress. Another way to follow this project is through the Alexandra Riverside Park Facebook page.
Want to support the project?
There are lots of opportunities to support this project further. To learn more email rory@mclellans.co.nz
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17 July 2025
Share 17 July 2025 on Facebook Share 17 July 2025 on Twitter Share 17 July 2025 on Linkedin Email 17 July 2025 linkThe Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park is progressing well and taking shape. Recent milestones include the retaining wall, which is clad in decorative timber, adding warmth and texture to the plaza's design. This same wood finish will be echoed in the screening in front of the toilet to create a cohesive look. The curved steel beams form a garden, with plants, shrubs and small trees planted throughout. The tall steel beams will provide support for the future shade sail. Concrete circles have been poured to form the base for future seating and landscaping is underway along the sides to border the space with greenery. In about a week, paving stones will be laid, helping to better define the plaza and pathways.
It's exciting to see the vision for Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park come to life as these different elements come together.
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19 May 2025
Share 19 May 2025 on Facebook Share 19 May 2025 on Twitter Share 19 May 2025 on Linkedin Email 19 May 2025 linkConstruction will begin next week on an off-road cycle link from Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park to the Linger and Die Reserve. This new connection will further build the existing trails network in Alexandra. The trail is being funded by Wairoa Manuherekia, a project of the Manuherekia Catchment Group and funded by Ministry for the Environment. The map below shows the placement of the trail. To read the full media release about this new trail, click here.
On the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park worksite there have been more changes. A retaining wall has been constructed and the curved steel beams are giving shape to the future garden. The toilets are now plumbed and electricity will be connected this week. The concrete circles are part of the aesthetic design of the foundation of the plaza. Work is underway installing new fencing along the vehicle access ramp, pictured below.
Who's Listening
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Community organisation
Email rory@mclellans.co.nz -
Parks and Recreation Manager
