Waterfront – next steps
During November, the Wharf Trust held a series of community briefings to explain what the detailed technical report contained, what had been done to provide temporary repairs and what options were available in the longer term
In simple terms, there are 3 options, which are explained in more detail below:
- Do nothing or managed retreat. This is where we accept that some buildings may be compromised over the next 50+ years as the sea levels rise
- Build a seawall which protects the waterfront. This is likely to reduce the beach over the next 50+ years and protect property over amenity
- Use beach nourishment techniques which works with nature. This requires will require ongoing maintenance after severe weather events.
The presentation from Jim Dahm, Coastal erosion expert is given below. The slides take you through the history of Kororareka Beach, how it has developed over the last century and the options outlined above.
The temporary repairs have trialled both the hard option and the soft option, with a limited series of rocks that provide a low “sea wall”, along with a Resource Consent to allow a beach push up (beach push up) of shingle when severe weather compromises the repairs. The longer term plan is to continue the conversation with the community to get feedback on this mixed approach, with a view to getting this into the Far North District Council’s Long Term Plan.
If you have feedback or comments about these plans, please send these through using our Contact form.
