The new Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island.
The new Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island is officially open.
About 60 people attended the opening, including local iwi and hapū, Western Bay of Plenty District Council elected members and staff, and representatives from Tonkin and Taylor, HEB Construction, and Structure Design, with a special visit from “Miss Ada” the school ferry.
Kaumātua Bob Rolleston gave a blessing and local tamariki sung waiata, before attendees were invited to walk the wharf and pontoon.
In a statement, the council said the opening came after several years of planning, consultation, and collaboration between the council, iwi, hapū, and project partners.
The $2.1 million wharf was constructed primarily from steel and aluminium, and replaces the ageing timber structure built in the 1980s which had been damaged by marine worms.
The new wharf could be accessed via a pontoon and gangway or by stairs.
Timber from the old wharf would be recycled, with some of it being woven into the design of proposed structures, such as seats and picnic tables, on the adjoining foreshore reserve.
The council said in the statement it had worked closely with local iwi and hapū throughout the project to ensure the design and construction reflected cultural values and community needs.
The five hapū that connected to Matakana Island were part of Ngāi Te Rangi iwi and included Ngāi Tuwhiwhia, Ngāti Tauaiti, Te Ngare, Te Whānau a Tauwhao and Ngāi Tamawhariua.
Nessie Kuka, of Ngāi Tuwhiwhia, said it was exciting to see the wharf finished.
“It will make a real difference for everyone who lives here, especially for our tamariki getting to school on the mainland,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see the wharf already being used and enjoyed.”
Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said it was a vital link for Matakana Island and an important community asset.
“The new wharf provides a safer, more reliable way for people to get to and from the island,” he said.
“It’s great to see a project like this come to life after years of planning and working closely with the community. It will make daily life easier and more connected for residents.”
The council resolved to transfer 172ha, commonly known as Panepane Pūrakau, to a local hapū Trust in October 2021.
Under the transfer agreement, a 13-ha public reserve was to be created to ensure public access to the foreshore was protected in perpetuity, and an esplanade strip would follow the harbour’s edge to the ocean side.
This meant the public would still be able to fish off the wharf, walk along the beach and use the recreational areas such as water skiing lanes.
Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said while the public could access the wharf and foreshore, people were encouraged to respect the whenua (land) and nearby forest.
“There are commercial forestry operations nearby, so please stick to the harbour margins and don’t wander along the road or into other parts of the forest,” he said.
“We would also like to remind people visiting the area that lighting fires is strictly prohibited. We don’t want a repeat of the fire that occurred on the island two years ago.”
Peter pointed out that there was a wharepaku (toilet) next to the new wharf, which was available for visitors.
“We’re also planning new signage to help visitors understand the dos and don’ts while visiting, so everyone can enjoy the area safely and respectfully.”