Temporary Wharf Street boat ramp closure for key dredging works
The Whanganui Port will temporarily close the Wharf Street boat ramp for a period of approximately two weeks from mid-August through to 31 August. This is to allow essential dredging work to proceed at pace in the Whanganui Port basin.
Weather and conditions permitting, dredging will take place seven days a week, during daylight hours. The ramp will be closed for the duration to ensure public safety and allow uninterrupted access and movement for the Kawatiri, a trailer suction hopper dredge.
At 55 metres long, and with an additional cutter suction pump mounted at the bow for maximum flexibility, the Kawatiri brings new dredging capability to the awa. It is also larger than the Murphy Civil dredge currently in operation. The Kawatiri is expected to arrive on site around 10 August, and following a short set-up period, it will work alongside the Murphy Civil cutter suction dredge to speed up the works.
Geoff Evans, Whanganui Port General Manager, says the closure is necessary to complete widening of the port channel, prior to the cessation of all dredging works during the whitebait season which runs from 1 September, through to the end of October.
“We understand that this may cause some inconvenience for regular ramp users, and we appreciate their patience. This phase of dredging is critical to support current operations and to prepare for a more resilient future port,” he says.
Whanganui Port and Hapū collective Te Mata Pūau have been working closely with Whanganui Coastguard and the Wanganui Manawatū Sea Fishing Club to keep them informed and ensure as little disruption as possible for boat operators.
Wanganui Manawatū Sea Fishing Club Commodore Jamie Newell has seen real value in all parties coming together to work on solutions and ensure the wider fishing community is informed.
“We feel like we are part of this project and our opinions are valued,” he says.
“While the boat ramp closure is a short term inconvenience, we agree that the long term benefits make up for it, and look forward to greater access in and out of the port basin in the future.”
If boat operators do wish to access the awa during the ramp closure period, they can do so from the Putiki boat ramp.
Emergency access for Coastguard Whanganui will be maintained throughout the closure. A Whanganui Port representative will also continue to be on-site during dredging hours to support safety and answer community queries.
Geoff Evans explains that sediment will be disposed of at the current discharge site adjacent to the Te Anau wreck in the river wall.
“The disposal location is an area where sediment naturally flows, ensuring minimal disruption to the river’s natural processes and respecting the health of Te Awa Tupua.”
In the meantime, Te Pūwaha continues to work towards a long-term dredging consent, which will cover a focused working area, rather than the full basin as originally planned. This targeted approach balances cost, environmental considerations, and the need for a functional and sustainable port.
Te Mata Pūau representative and Kaihautū, Kahurangi Simon, is excited for these next steps in the project.
“The proposed long-term dredging consent application upholds the values of Te Awa Tupua and our shared obligations to protect the health and mouri of the river.”
“We are incredibly proud of the work that has been undertaken to get to this point, and look forward to sharing our plans with the wider community in the coming weeks.”
Project partners will host a BBQ and community open day, scheduled for September. There will be opportunities to discuss dredging options and share updates on the project works. Follow Te Pūwaha on Facebook for information as plans are finalised.
