Seawall scoped for improvements

Point Wells residents concerned about the state of their seawall should receive an update on what will be done to remediate it in the coming months.

Community and ratepayers association treasurer Howard George made an appeal to Rodney Local Board last month, saying the one-metre high stone structure surrounding the foreshore was vital in protecting the village and waterfront reserve from high tides, storm surges and wave activity.

“But it has deteriorated over time and now requires significant repairs or rebuilding to remain effective,” he told members.

“I was advised last year council had allocated funds in financial year 2024-25 and 2025-26, but what I haven’t been able to get is any clarity on when the work is going to be done and what the scope of the work is – whether it’s the whole wall, whether it’s a rebuild, whether it’s a repair, etc.

“Residents are very concerned about flooding risk and urgently seek confirmation of when the work will be done and its scope.”

Auckland Council head of coastal management Natasha Carpenter said after the meeting that the seawall was included in council’s regionally funded coastal asset renewals programme.

“To support delivery of the Point Wells Foreshore Seawall project, site investigations are currently underway, including a topographical survey and condition assessment of the wall,” she said.

“Upon completion of this preliminary work, an update will be provided to the Local Board, community and iwi in September.”

Carpenter said this update would confirm the extent of repair and maintenance works proposed, next steps such as detailed engineering design and consenting requirements, and the anticipated timeline to construction. 

She added that the coastal assets programme was risk-adjusted to provide flexibility and enable projects that present the highest risk to be prioritised.