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A major project to rebuild the storm-damaged seawall and boat ramp at Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service will get underway later this month after funding was secured from Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
The seawall was originally built alongside the estuary groyne in the late 1800s and extended in the 1960s when the clubhouse was constructed. It has since endured decades of storm damage and repeated repairs.
MHVLS said the original seawall was poorly designed and built using substandard materials, contributing to the loss of about 10 to 15 metres of dune towards the clubhouse over time.
“In addition, the associated existing boat ramp was also under engineered and is not concreted down to the lowest possible sand level, therefore is cut off during large weather events or unfavourable cycles of sand movement,” it said.
During the weather events of 2023, a substantial collapse of the seawall lost another 2-3m of land.
“These two assets needed to be repaired and upgraded asap to ensure MHVLS can always access and operate effectively for the community.”
After securing the necessary consents from Northland Regional Council, MHVLS sought funding from a range of sources and has now secured support from Surf Life Saving New Zealand to complete the project. The seawall will be rebuilt from the bedrock using imported quarried rock and a flatter, more resilient design.
“This hard structure has been engineered for 2130 climate change levels and 100-year storm surges. The hard engineered structure will be covered with site won sand and planted to form a natural dune. This dune will still erode and regenerate over time in cycles, but the harder rock structure will remain robust,” MHVLS said.
“The newly designed boat ramp will continue the concrete surface much further down to bedrock so that access will always be available regardless of the beach’s sand movement.”
A project blessing will be undertaken in late July, followed by construction works throughout winter and spring.
The project was awarded to local contractor Wharehine Construction, with works expected to be completed before the lifeguarding season begins.
Whilst construction works are underway, the MHVLS clubhouse and operations will run as usual, with only the front lawn area taken up for works. A temporary boat ramp will be installed whilst the permanent boat ramp is being repaired and upgraded.
At times, the last public accessway to the beach will be closed to allow Wharehine to complete the boat ramp safety.
