South Mole Construction
South Mole resilience works
This work stretches from the South Spit to the end of the South Mole and plays 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. Find out more about the South Mole upgrade here.
There are plans to host guided hikoi and planting days 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.
Why we are doing this work
- Extending the Tanea Groyne to 50 metres
- Strengthening nearby support walls
- Restoring the South Mole to its full length and raising it to 2.3 metres high
- Upgrading the existing rock wall and timber groynes
After construction, around 7,500 square metres of sand dunes will be restored.
- Spinifex and pīngao – help trap and hold sand
- Wīwī and pōhuehue – help keep dunes stable
- Tātaraheke – a rare and threatened native plant
These plants are well suited to coastal conditions. Over time, they will help rebuild strong, healthy dunes that can better handle wind, waves, and flooding.
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
