Pier review of wharves close to completion

The purpose of the overall project is to help ensure the structures are safe and can be used by the community for years to come for recreational activities like boating, swimming, diving and fishing.

The repairs are also important for contingency planning, so in the event of an emergency, the city wharves should be available to provide continued access to the CBD and suburbs. 

Karaka Bay Jetty was originally built in 1901, so repair planning was prepared in collaboration with a heritage advisor to take into consideration its heritage status. Works, which are planned to start in the next fortnight weather permitting and estimated to take up to two months, include:

• Repair of the two outer piles with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets.
• The addition of four new timber joists. 
• Resurfacing of the asphalt deck.

Other coastal structure repairs in the project include the 120-year-old Seatoun Wharf which is currently having work finalised and is due to reopen next month, and Queens Wharf and the Police Wharf which were both strengthened with new piles and fenders in 2020. 

The project has also provided the team with an opportunity to install informative panels at some sites to give passers-by a bit of a history lesson says Project Manager, Joel De Boer.

“We did some work on the old slipway area at Clyde Quay Boat Harbour recently, making sure it’s all shipshape with new walkways and hazards removed. Some of the original rails and winch remain, so we installed a panel showing the remarkable history of the slipway and yacht club. 

“There are also hand painted signs giving people an idea of the original use of the iconic boatsheds and buildings, along with dates of construction.” 

Recently, Council secured resource consent to remove the disused patent slipway jetty in Evans Bay, which was beyond repair due to decay. Council will endeavour to repair about 15 metres of the jetty, and install signage showing archival images and information panels to keep its history alive for future generations. 

The works were funded in the Annual Plan budget 2019/2020 and are part of a 10-year investment strategy to ensure coastal structures are maintained appropriately.