A collaboration of many minds has brought Kāmoanahaehae - the meeting place of the two rivers in Alexandra to be celebrated through the Riverside Park project.

The Vincent Community Board was treated to a presentation from members of the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, the designer involved in the staged project and Aukaha - representing mana whenua.

Led by local businessman Rory McLellan, the trust along with the Central Otago District Council has managed to secure $1.275 million for the $1.46 million project, which is still on track to be completed this summer.

“It was a big undertaking with meetings every fortnight. No stone has been unturned,” he told the board yesterday.

Anderson Fencing and Earthworks together with their landscape architect Neville Stewart Landscaping as construction partner won the council’s open tender to design and complete the work.

Starting with the removal of the willows between the lower end of Tarbert St and the Alexandra Bridge, a new plaza area will feature seating, shade trees, and a river access pathway leading off a viewing platform overlooking the confluence of the Manuherekia and Clutha Mata-Au rivers.

Kāmoanahaehae - the Alexandra Riverside Park is a joint effort with council, community business leaders and iwi. IMAGE: Supplied

A 6m high sculpture or pou whenua will be commissioned to welcome visitors to the area and drawing their attention to Kopuwai on the Old Man Range.

A resin product etched into the path woven in traditional Maori design will light the pathway at night, and it was hoped the plaza space would attract food trucks and open performances.

Aukaha representative Kitty Brown said bringing people to the water was important “so we can be closer to the environment.”

It was also a special privilege for iwi to be able to place a ‘marker’ on an area of such cultural significance as Kāmoanahaehae.

Read more: Funding confirmed for first stage of Riverside Park Plaza project