PROTECTING THE PORT

SEAWALL PROJECT: A three-stage project to strengthen the Waikahua seawall that protects the southern log yard at Eastland Port begins later this month, and the work involves developments to make it a ‘community space'.

A massive transformation project will begin shortly on the Waikahua seawall around Eastland Port's southern log yard.

The seawall will be made stronger to prevent erosion and improve the overall look and usability of the seawall.

Eastland Group chief operating officer Andrew Gaddum said the seawall was up to seven metres high and was a vital line of defence to protect the port against disruptive swells and large waves.

“As a part of this upgrade we also saw a unique opportunity to create a space that people will be able to use and connect with the sea.

“We'll be building outdoor furniture, fishing facilities, picnic areas and a boardwalk, which will be surrounded with native trees and plants.”

Mr Gaddum says the Waikahua seawall project has been a long time coming as consents were granted in 2018.

“The work has been broken down into three stages, with the first two focused on making the seawall functional and the final stage on bringing it to life.

“The first stage will involve removing all the broken concrete, building a roadway out from the existing wall, adding new concrete blocks, which will be in a staggered step method, and inserting planter boxes for native trees and shrubs to grow,” Mr Gaddum said.

“The second stage of work will include fortifying the armour rock wall located on the seaside of the southern log yard and forming the roadway that will be used to service the port in future.”

The third stage will involve adding in the final components that will make this an asset for the whole community to enjoy.

“This will include new seating, fishing and picnic facilities and a boardwalk connecting Waikahua to the Turanga walking track around the base of Titirangi, which Eastland Port built and opened last year,” he said.

Work is due to start mid-June and it is intended people will be able to use Waikahua by the end of the year.

Mr Gaddum said Waikahua was the name given to the swell that covers the Kaiti reefs.