Climate resilience funding to cover South Mole works
Te Pūwaha: the Whanganui Port revitalisation project has received $7.875 million in funding from the Climate Resilience Fund to support the next phase of restoration works at the South Mole.
This co-investment totalling $13.135 million, between central government and Horizons Regional Council, recognises the importance of flood resilience and coastal protection in the Whanganui catchment. The funding ensures the South Mole restoration and resilience upgrade works can be completed sooner.
The announcement comes as the project team prepares to host a community day at South Beach on Saturday 1 November, inviting the public to tour the works, meet some of the project partners, and learn more about how Te Pūwaha is restoring and protecting Whanganui’s working port and river mouth.
The first phase of works began earlier this year, with the Tanea Groyne now 50 metres in length and the South Mole embankment built to a height of 2.3 metres. This phase is expected to be completed at the end of this year.
Te Pūwaha project director, Hayden Turoa, says the funding announcement reinforces the strength of the project’s collaborative approach.
“Te Pūwaha is built on partnership. This investment reflects not only confidence in the project’s outcomes, but also the collective effort between hapū, Horizons, central government, and our wider project partners,” says Mr Turoa.
“It’s been an incredibly busy time at the port, and the mahi we are all continuing to deliver is helping ensure the Lower Whanganui remains resilient and thriving for future generations, in line with He Are Tuku Rau, he says.”
He Ara Tuku Rau, as part of Te Pūwaha, is about more than building infrastructure, it’s about restoring the area, and leaving it better than today.
“This announcement comes at perfect time as we are preparing for our community day on Patapu and the South Spit.”
Phase two will see the South Mole extended to its full length at a height of 2.3 metres, along with works to improve resilience upstream of the Tanea Groyne on the South Spit.
Design and consents are in place for the first component of this newly funded works programme to get underway.
The cost share for the South Mole restoration will be based on 60 percent government contribution and 40 percent local contribution, with the local share funded via Horizons’ Lower Whanganui Scheme.
Horizons Regional Council group manager – catchment operations, Dr Jon Roygard, says with support from central government via Kānoa now confirmed, mahi is underway to establish the new project, including seeking the recently elected council’s input.
“Our partnership with Kānoa and the positive working relationship across project partners have been invaluable,” says Dr Roygard.
“Together, we’re building resilience along our awa while enabling the community to be a part of the journey.”
Members of the public can learn more about the South Mole restoration and the wider Te Pūwaha project on Saturday 1 November, from 11.00 am – 2.30 pm at South Beach. Throughout the day, 4WD tours will take groups out to the South Mole, big machines will be on show, and there will be a free sausage sizzle.
Visit eventfinda.co.nz/2025/te-puwaha-south-mole-works-community-event/whanganui for details.
