Wharf and Waterfront News
Community briefing 2026
Part of the role of the Trust is to ensure that the Community is aware of what is happening with the wharf, boat ramp and waterfront. Last year we held a series of public meetings, particularly to get feedback on the erosion issues and the plans put forward by the experts. We are holding this year's annual briefing in May, where we will present the annual accounts and update on the various activities. Date: 20 May 2026, from 5.30 to [...]
2025 Tim Grant Memorial sponsorship
Another year has passed, and the Wharf Trust again requested that the RŪNĀ programme leads at the Russell Boat Club identify a suitable recipient for the Tim Grant memorial sponsorship for a voyage on board the R. Tucker Thompson. This year’s fortunate rangatahi was Tawhiti Hook, a student at Waikare School, so Jay Howell and Bruce Mitchinson went out to the school to present the award. The voyage was from 29th September – 5th October and both Bruce and Jane [...]
Pontoon escapades – the sequel
Safely back at last The much-loved pontoon moored off the waterfront in Kororāreka Bay is finally back after a fairly lengthy absence over winter. Generously reinstated by the team at Johnson Brothers, and Moorings Northland in time for last Christmas, it developed a distinct list over January as it slowly filled up with water. Most of us were watching its gradual slide into the briny and by the beginning of February, local Tracey Morris messaged the Trust to say it [...]
Waterfront repairs Stage 1a
Our last update provided details of the report that had been received on the waterfront, with a breakdown of the stages for works. With the water from on the town hall roof already remediated, the next step was a recommendation for urgent works to be carried out by the cannon and Butterfish. This resulted in a request by Far North Holdings on behalf of FNDC, for contractors to fix the waterfront in those two locations. The request had two parts: [...]
The Report on the Future of The Waterfront
Jim Dahm of Eco Nomos, the advisor and specialist in soft options management of coastal erosion and Rob Brown of Shore wise Engineering Consultants visited Russell after an initial round of discussions with FNDC and FNHL leaders and local stakeholder interests. This resulted in a presentation about the specific nature of the beach at Kororareka Bay from Jim to outline the history of our beach and the options moving forward. The presentation from Jim Dahm explaining the options can [...]
Town Hall downpipes
Many of you have realised that the water from the Town Hall roof is making a significant contribution to the erosion in front of the cannon. This critical issue was identified during the Placemaking project, and through the Destination Management Plan consultation. Thanks to the numerous locals who raised RFSs about the problem since last September, the Town Hall Committee, Chair Bruce, who took the FNDC CEO personally down to the site to show him the problem and how it [...]
