A new $2.1 million wharf is being built at Panepane Point, on the southeastern tip of Matakana Island.
The new structure, including two jetties and a pontoon, will replace the existing timber wharf, which was built in the 1980s and has since been damaged by marine worms.
Primarily constructed from steel and aluminium, the new wharf is being built by HEB Construction and is expected to be completed by July 2025.
It is being funded by revenue from harvesting Western Bay of Plenty District Council-owned trees on the island in 2023 and from renewal funding, the Council said in a statement.
To minimise disruption and ensure that tamariki (children) on the island can continue to attend kura (school) on the mainland, it will be built alongside the existing wharf, which will be dismantled once the new wharf is completed.
Timber from the old wharf will be recycled, with some of it being woven into the design of proposed structures, such as seats and picnic tables, on the adjoining foreshore reserve.
Throughout the project, Council worked closely with local iwi and hapū to ensure the design and construction aligned with cultural values and community needs.
A blessing, attended by iwi and hapū, and representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tonkin and Taylor, HEB Construction and Blakely Pacific Ltd, was held prior to work starting on the wharf.
Nessie Kuka, of Ngai Tuwhiwhia, said the new wharf is an important asset for the island, and the local community is excited to see the mahi (work) begin.
“We’ve worked really closely with Western Bay of Plenty District Council. It’s been a long journey, and now here we are celebrating this kaupapa,” says Ms Kuka.
Council’s Reserves and Facilities Manager, Peter Watson says the new wharf is the successful culmination of several years of consultation and planning, and will provide an important connection to the mainland, for generations to come.
“It’s really exciting to move forward and replace the old with the new,” said Mr Watson.
“The old wharf served its purpose for many years, but this new one has been designed to last. The steel and aluminium construction will stand up much better to the marine environment, reducing maintenance costs over time.”
The dual jetty and pontoon design will improve accessibility and functionality, while doubling user capacity, he added.
The pontoon is easier to get on and off, while the stairs provide an all-weather option, where boats can access the wharf at different locations, depending on the tidal water level at the time, said Mr Watson.
“But this isn’t just about transport — it’s about community, history, and ensuring that Matakana Island remains well connected for many years to come.”
Council resolved to transfer 172 hectares of land, commonly known as Panepane Pūrakau, to a local hapū Trust in October 2021.
The five hapū that connect to Matakana Island are part of Ngai te Rangi Iwi and include Ngai Tuwhiwhia, Ngati Tauaiti, Te Ngare, Te Whānau a Tauwhao and Ngai Tamawhariua.
Under the transfer agreement a 13-hectare public reserve is to be created to ensure public access to the foreshore is protected in perpetuity and an esplanade strip will follow the harbour’s edge to the ocean side. This means the public will still be able to fish off the wharf, walk along the beach and use the recreational areas such as water-skiing lanes.
Council continues to work through the statutory process to transfer the land, which it says is taking longer than anticipated.
