Waitakere City 'gateway' to outshine power pylons

Waitakere City is to get a "gateway" of light towers and carved poles at the Te Atatu interchange on the North Western Motorway.

Mayor Bob Harvey said the gateway would help enhance the city's identity and visions and reflect its heritage, and a decade of practising Eco-city principles.

"For many this will be a welcome home after grinding along the motorway in peak-hour traffic and for others it will be their first impression of Waitakere City."

The design has four large solar-powered light towers and a number of carved poles rising from a canopy of pohutukawa trees. A steel waka will overlook the mouth of the Whau River, as a tribute to those who made the portage between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours.

"It's about time we had this - the farewell and the welcome," said Te Atatu resident Mihi Te Huia.

"It will tie in with the creation of the new Harbourview Park and marae next to the interchange."

Another resident, Bill Postlewaight, also supported the idea. "It will spruce up that spot - but it's a shame if the ugly power pylons and the cellphone tower stay there," he said.

Mr Postlewaight said he hoped that in addition to the gateway, improvements would be made to improve traffic congestion at the interchange, which lasted from 6.30am to 9.30am on weekdays.

The cost of the project has not been finalised and residents' comments on the concept design are invited on the Waitakere City Council website.