Niuwe Stroom Park

In the heart of Foxton, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Riverside Cultural Park (the Park) plays a key part in revitalising the former river port town of Foxton and connecting the town with the Riverloop and its cultural roots. It provides a place for the people of Foxton and beyond to gather, enjoy and learn. The Park was a community-led project, strongly influenced by the community, and it deliberately maximised the use of local skills and resources to create a positive legacy of bi-cultural meeting places and learning centres in New Zealand. In late 2017, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom was completed after 10 years of combined planning efforts between the Horowhenua District Council, Te Taitoa Māori o Te Awahou and the Dutch Connection Museum Trust. The Park provides for a range of public services, arts and cultural groups. It includes a Library, an i-SITE, Horowhenua District Council Service Centre, cafés and an exhibition gallery. Of historical importance are the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre, a Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga Māori Museum and the Oranjehof National Dutch Museum because these facilities educate visitors and locals alike about the history of Foxton within the wider context of New Zealand. The Park includes many indoor and outdoor spaces, which are used to host a variety of community events from local mana whenua celebrations to music performances and a weekly Dutch market. The Park also hosts a monthly night market with live performances and a range of regional food trucks.