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An aerial shot of the 102m wharf shortly before deconstruction.
An artist’s impression of the wharf in former times.
A charitable trust has launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild Mangawhai’s historic wharf, which formerly lay at the end of Moir Street.
The wharf was originally built in the 1880s and quickly became a focal point for shipping goods, including logs and kauri gum.
It also assisted passengers travelling by boat to Auckland, no longer requiring them to row out to a schooner or cutter anchored offshore.
The wharf fell into disrepair after World War II and was deconstructed in 1950.
But the Mangawhai Historic Wharf Charitable Trust has the plans, specifications and information about the wharf’s original construction and wants to rebuild it, replicating the original wharf as closely as possible.
The Trust says a reconstructed wharf will provide the community with a focal point: a gathering place for water activities and a platform for families to fish and picnic.
It adds that the wharf will form an integral part of Mangawhai’s harbour walkways, celebrate the history of the village and become a key attraction for Mangawhai’s growing visitor numbers.
The Trust anticipates the wharf measurements will be the same as the original – 102 metres long and three metres wide, though without the original railway line.
A platform at the end (12m x11m) will hold a shed (7m x 6m) to provide shelter and reflect the design of the old wharf.
However, the proposed new wharf will vary in some respects from the original: no native timbers will be used, and marine grade fittings, navigation, lighting and safety features will be added, as well as a larger pontoon with easier access than the original.
To kickstart the project, the Trust has launched a PledgeMe campaign to raise the $80,000 necessary to fund its application for a resource consent with Northland Regional Council. The consent process will require a public hearing.
The trust believes that securing a resource consent will assist it in acquiring more funding for the wharf’s construction.
Historical information, including a model and story board on the old wharf, is on permanent display at the Mangawhai Museum.
To support the wharf project, visit: pledgeme.co.nz/projects/6332-rebuilding-the-mangawhai-historic-wharf
