Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park Welcomes New Community Spaces

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 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.

“Kāmoanahaehae has a deep history and today we celebrate more than just a plaza,” said Whaea Francie Diver. “The name itself connects us to Haehaeata, the traditional Māori name for Leaning Rock in the Dunstan Mountains, and to the place where the Manuherekia and Clutha River / Mata-au meet."

Rory McLellan, Chair of the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, reflected on the journey that brought the space to life.

“This marks an important milestone in a project that began in 2011 with concept drawings and the formation of the Riverside Park Trust. Working alongside the Vincent Community Board, we carried out a feasibility study that confirmed strong community support and secured vital funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, MBIE, Verdyn Trust, and others. Seeing the plaza come to life makes every step worthwhile.

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 development faced some delays due to challenging ground conditions and the site's heritage significance. As part of 'old Alexandra' and the original settlement, the area required careful oversight from Heritage New Zealand, with specific construction protocols followed throughout. Work on the riverbank was also carefully limited to protect fish spawning seasons and local wildlife.

Mayor Tamah Alley highlighted the completion of the plaza is about more than new amenities and seating, it’s a moment to celebrate Kāmoanahaehae as a place that connects people, history and community.

“Kāmoanahaehae Riverside Park is going to be a place for everyone. It’s about opening up the riverfront, connecting people to the Clutha River / Mata-au and Manuherekia and creating a gateway that reflects both our history and our future. I’m delighted to see the work that began with some committed individuals and a great idea take shape into a space for us all to be proud of,” said Mayor Alley.

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.

For more information about the project, visit: Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park | Let’s Talk Central Otago