Paekākāriki seawall

We are planning to build a 900-metre long timber replacement of the Paekākāriki seawall to improve protection of the road, infrastructure and the beach environment.

Latest news

23 December 2022

We are working with a contractor to review the tender for building the first stage of the new seawall, ie a 72-metre section
and beach access near the Memorial Hall.

Building a seawall is a complex undertaking and before we finalise a contract, we’re discussing options for methodology and timing. The current environment where costs are escalating adds to the challenge.

We expect to be able to provide a further update in mid 2023.

Background

The current seawall has deteriorated and needs to be replaced to continue to protect the road and other public infrastructure.

Following consultation with the community for the 2018–38 Long-term Plan it was agreed that Council would replace the wall with a concrete and rock replacement. However, since then costs and conditions have changed and this option is now unaffordable.

In the 2021–41 Long-term Plan, Council recommended and agreed to rebuilding the wall in timber, incorporating improved beach access and artistic elements agreed with the community. More than 70 percent of people who had their say on the seawall during consultation agreed with this approach.

The timber wall will cost approximately $17 million and will be built in stages over the next five years. The staged approach better suits local contracting companies and will enable us to plan construction for when the weather is more reliable. The wall’s design life will be 25–30 years.

Design

As far as possible we will incorporate the objectives of the Paekākāriki Seawall Design Group and the Paekākāriki Community Board. This includes improving access to the beach for all users and incorporating an art and cultural thread in the design.

Affordability will continue to be a key consideration because Council must balance the community's aspirations with the need to apply a fair and consistent approach to coastal management across the district while continuing to operate within its financial means.