William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island represents a substantial addition to the sports and recreation opportunities in Whangarei. One of the larger projects is the recent development of five new sportsfields on the northern boundaries of the park, close to Riverside Drive. These sportsfields have been designed to be used in all weather conditions. A new building is proposed by the Northland Rugby Union (NRU).
Developed as a partnership between Council and Bike Northland, this indoor recreational facility will provide a strong youth focus. The initial focus of the facility is to further enhance cycle sports including BMX, mountain biking and track cycling. This focus will complement existing BMX facilities across Pohe Island and the high use of recreational cyclists on the shared paths.
The success of the Hatea Loop has illustrated public appetite for multi-use trails. Over time, additional routes will be formed on Pohe Island that will connect important internal destinations. Key destinations include Te Matau ä Pohe, the Whangarei Activity Centre, and northwestern park amenities. Most routes will circumnavigate the edges of the Wahi kai o te whakaaroaro (Meadows of Meditation)/ Kanohi o te tupuhi (Eye of the Storm). The connections will be clearly marked and signposted and provide additional walking options for visitors and residents alike.
A number of low coastal plantings are proposed for the wettest slopes of Pohe Island, especially in the south-east of the park. Given the existing clay-cap restriction, most of these plants are expected to be herbaceous plantings, and suitable for a riparian area. There may be an opportunity to provide for cultural materials as part of the planting scheme.
A number of new, man-made amenities and facilities are expected to be put into place to enhance the experience of visitors to Pohe Island and the Hatea Loop. Proposed amenities include a parkour/free-running activity zone, a new jetty/kayak access, new parking, seating and shade. Community-driven projects such as the Ball Clock, Camera Obscura and Te Kakano will add value and interest to the area. Most of these new amenities can be found along the Hatea Loop corridor, and increase its status as a pre-eminent regional facility. Council has allocated funding in the LTP.
This area sits at the heart of Pohe Island and is intended to be a place for passive recreation. It acts as a place for contemplation in the sea of activity that surrounds it. It is anticipated that man-made structures would be limited in this space or have a very small footprint. Examples of such structures could include carved wooden (totara) seats dotted across the meadows which are horizontal poupou whenua, interspersed with a number of small poupou whenua that represent different hapü that call Whangarei home. This would also help to thematically connect Pohe Island with the various landmarks that overlook the site, such as Parihaka, Pukenui Forest, and Parakiore. Council has allocated funding for development of Pohe Island in the LTP.
A small number of seasonal pop-up food and beverage facilities will provide further activation of Pohe Island and the Hatea Loop. Planned facilities such as the walkway, river piers, selective removal of mangroves and the inclusion of food and beverage operators will create a focal point for activity and social interaction around the lower Hatea River. Pop up and mobile vendors will be located in the car parks when completed.