Work Program Update: Dec 2023
A program of further testing has been a worthwhile investment to ensure that the project delivers a long legacy not only for this generation, but for future generations of Whakatāne people.
Making sure the stop bank is strong
We have undertaken further investigations required by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council related to the river stop bank adjacent to the site. These investigations include geotechnical confirmation that removal of the wood waste will not impact upon the stability or create a seepage issue for the stop banks. This has involved soils investigations within the stop bank. The investigation will accompany a Bylaw Application to the BOPRC to seek approval for the works contractor to excavate the wood within the 40m area adjacent the stop bank.
On-site at Keepa Road
Our contractor has prepared the site in advance, ready for the machinery to arrive, laying crushed concrete for roading and installing a portable office space. As described above, further soil testing was undertaken, with the arrival of a rig to drill five boreholes to extract will be extracted soil cores at a range of locations at various depths across the site. Further wood waste has been tested. Samples were sent to the laboratory for testing and analysis. While we have already carried out significant testing for environmental purposes, this data improves our understanding of the quality of material to be managed during the first stage of works, enabling the certification of the last outstanding management plan, meaning works can begin on site soon thereafter.
Getting ready for full construction
Preparations have also been underway with enabling works on the site to welcome the Stage One contractor to commence construction proper. This has included electricity and water connections to the works portacoms and contractor facilities.
What are the expected timelines?
Once construction begins, Stage One will take approximately 18 months to complete. Stage Two can commence in parallel with the later stage of stage one, with the excavation of the lower soils and will result in the creation of 70-80 berths for commercial and recreational vessels, fuel, water, electricity and services, a vessel hard stand and maintenance facility, car parking, and office building.
Meanwhile, in the Project Office
Te Rahui staff continue to work alongside partners, reporting each quarter to the board and partners. Board meetings are held monthly, providing the strategic direction and sound governance to our project. We have completed our first audit through William Buck Accountants and Advisors.
Fibre internet has been installed to the office and will shortly be installed at Keepa Road sites for streamlined connectivity.
The adjoining stop banks were built after this photo was taken in 1973. The photo shows what town looked like before the stop banks were installed and the Landing Road bridge was installed.
The management team cthanks all those that are contributing their time, knowledge and expertise to this project. The groups are:
Tangata Whenua Group
Reference Group
Harbour User Group
Project Management Group
Community Liaison Group
The project partners including the Crown (Kānoa), Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Ngati Awa Group Holdings, and Whakatāne District Council who continue to communicate and meet regularly to ensure we deliver a project that benefits the region.