Wellington City Council has announced planning is underway to replenish sand at Hataitai Beach after construction of a new seawall last year changed the beach’s profile.
Council commissioned an assessment by Tonkin + Taylor following concerns raised by elected members and the local community, with the report confirming the beach had experienced a change in the profile of the sand and a reduction in usable beach area.
The assessment was focused on understanding the extent of the beach changes and considering replenishment options, and identified a range of possible contributing factors behind this change, including construction activities, changes in seawall alignment, storm events, natural coastal processes and climate change.
Councillor, Sam O’Brien, welcomed the results of the report and says the replenishment project reflects its commitment to maintaining important public amenities and responding to community concerns.
“People care deeply about Hataitai Beach. It’s a valued local spot for swimming, recreation and enjoying the coast,” Cr O’Brien said.
“Beaches are dynamic environments that can change for many different reasons, and last year’s work to strengthen the seawall helps ensure the area surrounding the beach is more resilient to storm damage and changing sea levels. Our focus has been on exploring practical options to replenish the beach, and maintain its recreational value for the community now, and for the future.
“Once this project is complete, we’ll have a better protected Hataitai community, and a restored popular beach.”
The total project, including design and consenting work, is estimated to cost approximately $150,000. Council says the project has been identified for prioritisation in the coastal maintenance and renewal budgets, meaning no new funding is required for design and consenting costs.
The project aims to restore beach width as a one-off replenishment and bring it back to previous levels and profiles. This will require 200m³ for sandy/fine gravels being brought to site to match the existing beach.
Suitable sand sources are still being investigated, and the beach replenishment will be subject to technical assessment and resource consenting processes, which are underway now. The resource consent application has been lodged with Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Wellington City Council expects the physical works to start next month, once resource consent is granted, with the aim to replenish the beach in time for the start of the summer months.
Read the Tonkin + Taylor report (PDF 1.2MB).
