South Mole Construction

Construction activities are now underway at the South Mole.

A key focus of this phase of work is on the repair of the Tanea Groyne and downstream interface wall, located on the southern side of the Whanganui River mouth. These structures play a critical role in shaping the river mouth, enabling safe navigation, protecting the South Spit, reducing wave energy and encouraging flushing of sediment to sea.

Get involve
How you can get involved

There are plans to host guided hikoi near the construction site, giving stakeholders and community members the opportunity to learn more about the project, the river structures and the role they play in supporting a sustainable future for the Whanganui Port.

Phase one – Tanea Groyne and interface wall

The first phase of work involves upgrading the Tanea Groyne to a length of 50 metres (TG1), the downstream interface wall (SM2 and SM3), and the South Mole (SM!) to a length of 250 metres (approximately where the beach meets the mole) with a height of 2.3 metres.
These structures will:
  • Protect the end of the South Spit.
  • Stabilise a downstream sandbank to reduce wave energy and support hydraulic flushing.
  • Help maintain the course of the Whanganui River.
16,000 tonnes of washed rock will be moved to the work site using off-road dump trucks along a 2.7km beach track. All vehicle movements will be safely piloted.
The planned works for phase two are subject to further central government funding. If approved, the intention is to extend the Tanea Groyne to 120 metres (TG2), and lengthen the South Mole (SM1) out to sea, maintaining a height of 2.3 metres.

Mouri Ora, Mouri Awa, Mouri Tangata

As part of Te Pūwaha, this project is about more than building infrastructure, it’s about creating He Ara Tuku Rau, a shared pathway of initiatives to restore the health of our river, our community, and this area for future generations.

Building the South Mole will cause ecological disruption. Together, Te Pūwaha partners have committed to a series of actions to enhance the coastal dune environment, support pipi and fisheries, and protect habitats for kuaka and other wildlife, not just during construction, but in the years ahead.

This pathway is guided by an agreed decision-making framework that prioritises local leadership, prevents further harm, and ensures we leave the environment in a better state than we found it. We look forward to working alongside the community on this journey towards abundance, for today, and for generations to come.

Access During Construction

Access to South Beach will remain open, however the stockpile site carpark will be closed to the public during construction. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Acknowledgements

The South Mole construction works are jointly funded by government’s Kanoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit and Horizons Regional Council.

Community Resources