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For over 160 years, a modest line of rocks has stood between the Mangawhai headland (below the surf club) and Sentinel Rock. This historic breakwater is more than just a relic; it is vital infrastructure designed to keep our harbour navigable and our beaches healthy.
Today, that barrier is failing. It’s not just Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS) raising the alarm – boaties and beachgoers are all voicing the same concern. The structure has degraded so significantly that full tides wash directly over it. The consequences are clearly visible – our surf beach is losing sand, with a corresponding sand build-up on the tip of the Sandspit, choking our harbour entrance.
The history of this breakwater is written in the grit of those who came before us. First mooted in 1862 to prevent further drownings at the treacherous bar, its construction was a saga of hardship. It was built by workers from the Waikato Immigration Scheme and later repaired by retired soldiers of the 58th British Regiment.
The cost was high. In 1866, three men tragically died in a rock fall while quarrying stone for the structure. Later, the soldiers of the 58th, who were shipbuilders at the local McInnes/McKenzie shipyard, successfully repaired the breakwater. Their handiwork stood as a memorial to their skill for a century.
By the late 20th century, nature again took its toll. Following the famous 1991 Big Dig, efforts shifted toward permanent harbour protection. Despite initial opposition to the unsanctioned Big Dig to reopen the stagnant harbour, Northland Regional Council provided a $20,000 grant to reform the breakwater. This allowed the Big Dig Rebels – who later formed MHRS – to hire a crane and source the necessary rocks.
Now, we have reached another crossroads. While “ownership” has long been a grey area, at a recent visit attended by NRC chair Pita Tipene, NRC councillors, and Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen, both councils agreed to expeditiously explore provisions for MHRS to repair and maintain the breakwater.
As harbour guardians, MHRS has identified a formal engineering assessment as the essential next step. While the community’s observations are clear, professional data is required to quantify the impacts of the degraded breakwater and determine exactly what is needed to repair and maintain it for the long term.
For MHRS to continue to protect our harbour, the ongoing backing of our community is essential. By standing behind your harbour guardians, we will ensure this historic shield remains for generations.
To learn more or support the society, visit mangawhaiharbour.nz or follow Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society on Facebook.
