Consent variation allows dredging to proceed at Whanganui Port basin
The Whanganui Port has confirmed that emergency dredging works begins in the Whanganui Port basin this week, following approval of a one-off consent variation by Horizons Regional Council.
The dredging is required to enable a clear channel in the Whanganui Port Basin. Without this work, local businesses would face significant disruption, putting jobs and the wider Te Pūwaha Whanganui Port revitalisation project at risk.
“Getting this work consented has required a culmination of approvals and we have had to work extensively with the Department of Conservation, and our Regional Council’s regulatory team. Hapū at place have guided the project through a process that has ensured this is a one-off, given the unprecedented pressure facing the project, and ultimately our wider community if this work cannot proceed,” says Hayden Turoa, Te Pūwaha project director.
“The variation ensures that this activity occurs in a small area, and was granted on the basis that no dredged materials are placed into the river. Strict controls are in place to ensure any sediment that is stirred up is contained and managed appropriately.”
“Hapū representatives will maintain real-time oversight of the dredging, with the authority to halt works if consent conditions are not being met. Independent assessments will also be carried out before, during, and after dredging to ensure silt curtains are effective and no sediment escapes into the river.”
“Therefore, our shared focus is on protecting Te Awa Tupua while finding a practical solution that supports both the river and our community.”
Jamie Newell, Commodore for the Wanganui–Manawatū Fishing Club, says the club recognises the ongoing challenges around dredging in the port basin and welcomes the commitment to getting this work done.
“We know dredging has been an ongoing issue for the port and the community, and it’s not without its challenges. That’s why we’re really grateful to see this work going ahead over the coming weeks. A clear and safe basin benefits not just local businesses but also our wider community, and we appreciate the efforts being made to get it right while looking after the river,” says Newell.
“This work is essential to maintain the port’s operations and ensure local businesses can continue to thrive,” adds Mark Petersen, Whanganui Port board chair.
“We are confident in the expertise of the dredge operators engaged, and we are committed to keeping our community fully informed throughout the process.”
Robust environmental safeguards are being put in place to protect Atutahi (whitebait) and the awa. These include the use of silt curtains to contain suspended sediment, independent monitoring and oversight by hapū, and the disposal of all dredged material to approved land-based sites. Works are expected to be completed by the end of October at the latest.
“This work is essential to maintain the Port’s operations and ensure local businesses can continue to thrive,” says Mark Petersen, Whanganui Port board chair.
“We are confident in the expertise of the dredge operators engaged, and we are committed to keeping our community fully informed throughout the process.”
Initial dredging will be undertaken using a long-reach excavator in the mobile boat hoist lift-out bay, before the Johnson & Bros dredge Mahikuri, a purpose-built 25-metre flat-top multipurpose barge, arrives later in September to complete the works.
The sediment will be disposed to trucks at the wharf that will initially transport it to a temporary, contained site on Wharf 2. Considerable controls will be in place at this site to ensure the sediment remains fully contained and does not impact surrounding land or the awa. Further disposal sites are still being determined.
“As a result of last month’s unsuccessful dredging operation, the Mahikuri has been contracted. It is twice the size of the previous bucket and excavator dredge and the operators have proven experience working in similar conditions to the Whanganui River,” says Mark Petersen.
“I am also assured by the real-time oversight provided by hapū, and the full authority they hold to ensure this work remains fully compliant with the consent. Their role gives confidence to the Whanganui Port and our community that these activities are being undertaken responsibly and with integrity”.
The Wharf Street boat ramp will remain open during the operation, with short closures possible from time to time. Personnel will be on site to assist the public and encourage safe boating.
For more information and updates on dredging activities in the Whanganui Port basin check out our dredging activities webpage.
