Foxton River Loop

BLAC was engaged by Horowhenua District Council and Save Our River Trust to develop a landscape vision for the Foxton River Loop. The vision brings together previous planning and design work into a cohesive framework intended to support meaningful engagement with mana whenua, key stakeholders and the wider community.

The design establishes a linear riverside park connecting Foxton’s town centre, Paretao/Seaview Gardens, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and the existing Piriharakeke Walkway. Interwoven paths form a distinctive “weave”, symbolising the relationship between land, water and community, while extending the town grid towards the river and framing important views and connections. It also provides the opportunity to express the area’s former port history and Dutch heritage

The vision responds to the cultural, ecological and historical significance of the River Loop. It recognises Ngāti Raukawa as tangata whenua and acknowledges the area’s cultural values associated with ancestral events, traditional use and long-standing occupation. The design provides a foundation for these values and narratives to be further explored and embedded through ongoing engagement with tangata whenua.

Interpretive signage, land art and cultural markers are integrated throughout the vision as opportunities to communicate the stories, heritage and ecology of the area. These elements are intended to be developed collaboratively with tangata whenua, local artists and the Foxton community, enabling the landscape to evolve through local knowledge and creative expression.

This project is part of the broader work Brad completed at Boffa Miskell between 2012–2020, including the Foxton Town Plan, Foxton Main Street Upgrade, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Civic Space, and Stage 1 of the Foxton River Loop Revitalisation.

Client: Horowhenua District Council + Save our River Trust