Wharf upgrade gets started

Work is under way to rebuild Russell Wharf in time for the town's mid-winter Birdman Festival.

Russell residents have long been trying to persuade the Far North District Council and its company, Far North Holdings, to repair and upgrade the wharf; an economic lifeline in the tourism-dependent town.

The current wharf is unsuitable for cruiseship tenders, has a number of rotten piles and planking lifts off in storms and king tides. The economic downturn and a squeeze on finances had relegated repairs to the distant future, until the community set up a fundraising trust to contribute $100,000 towards the cost.

As a result, councillors voted last August to go ahead with the project, which is expected to cost a total of $370,000.

Work began on May 7, with the southern arm already dismantled and ready for reconstruction to start.

Far North Holdings general manager Chris Galbraith said the project had been split into two contracts, both awarded to Opua company Total Marine Services.

The first involved replacing the southern arm and would be completed by the first week of July in time for the Birdman Festival on July 6-8.

The second contract involved maintenance on the main walkway, including replacing structural piles.

Work was progressing well despite the weather, Mr Galbraith said.

"Obviously the inclement weather isn't ideal, but it's nothing of significance to the construction project."

The Birdman Festival involves contestants launching themselves from the end of the wharf in costumes and flying contraptions.