Timeline
Design and costings in progress
We are currently finalising the design and costings for the new wharf and expect to have these by November 2024.
Throughout this project, we have worked closely with local iwi and hapū to ensure the design and construction align with cultural values and community needs.
Work starts
Mahi (work) has started on the new $2.1 million wharf, which will include two jetties and a pontoon.
Prior to work starting, a blessing was held with iwi and hapū, and representatives from Council, Tonkin and Taylor, HEB Construction and Blakely Pacific Ltd.
The wharf has been designed to improve accessibility and functionality, while doubling user capacity. The pontoon will be easier to get on and off, while the stairs will provide an all-weather option, where boats can access the wharf at different loactions, deopending on the tidal water level at the time.
To minimise disruption, and to make sure tamariki (children) on the island can continue to attend kura (school) on the mainland, the new wharf will be built alongside the existing wharf.
Once the new wharf is completed, the old wharf will be dismantled.
Timber from the old wharf will be recycled. We are looking to weave this into the design of proposed structures - such as picnic seats and tables - on the adjoining foreshore reserve.
Main piles now in
The main piles are now in - a major milestone in rebuilding the wharf.
Next up, a protective sleeve will be installed around the piles to help prevent corrosion. And, then work will begin on the 'superstructure' - the frame, decking and railings that hold the wharf together, and become the part you walk on.
Piles for super structure in place
Things are coming together, with the piles for the 'super-structure' and stairs now in place. The super-structure is the part of the wharf you can see and use. You can see these segments on-shore in the photos below, ready and waiting to be installed.
Jetty takes shape
Things are really taking shape, with the wharf almost ready for its first visitors.
Next steps...
- Finish installing the stairs (then the wharf will be operational)
- Remove the old wharf
- Install the gangway and pontoon to the new wharf (the old wharf is currently in the way)
Timber from the old wharf will then be recycled back into the community - it will be used for furniture in the foreshore reserve, and local hapu will also receive timber for other community projects.
Old wharf dismantled
The new wharf has been completed and is now in use. The old wharf (rear in the photo below) is now being dismantled. Once it's been removed, we'll get to work on the gangway and pontoon.
Depending on the weather, we're aiming for to have this done in time for Labour Weekend.
New wharf officially open
The new wharf is officially open!
Around 60 people attended the opening, including local iwi and hapū, Western Bay of Plenty District Council elected members and staff, and representatives from Tonkin + Taylor, HEB Construction, Structure Design, with a special visit from ‘Miss Ada’, the school ferry.
The opening marks the successful completion of several years of planning, consultation, and collaboration between Council, iwi, hapū, and project partners, to deliver a durable structure that will serve the island for decades to come.
The occasion was acknowledged with a blessing from kaumātua Bob Rolleston and waiata from local tamariki, before attendees were invited to walk the wharf and pontoon.
You can read more about the opening here.
While the public are welcome to access the wharf and foreshore, we ask that you please note the following, so everyone can enjoy the area safety and respectfully:
- Respect the whenua (land) and nearby forest
- There are commercial forestry operations nearby so please stick to the harbour margins and don't wander along the road or into other parts of the forest
- Lighting fires is strictly prohibited - we don't want a repeat of the fire on the island two years ago
- There is a wharepaku (toilet) next to the wharf, which is available for visitors