$2.1m wharf at Panepane Point to replace damaged 1980s structure

Construction has started on a new wharf at Panepane Point on Matakana Island. Photo / HEB Construction

• A new $2.1 million wharf is being built at Panepane Point, replacing the damaged 1980s structure.
• The wharf, made of steel and aluminium, is expected to be completed by July 2025.
• The project involves local iwi and hapū, ensuring cultural alignment and community benefits, including recycled timber use.

A new $2.1 million wharf is being built at Panepane Point on the southeastern tip of Matakana Island.

The new structure, including two jetties and a pontoon, will replace the existing timber wharf built in the 1980s and has been damaged by marine worms, a statement from the Western Bay District Council said.

The new wharf was being built primarily of steel and aluminium by HEB Construction and was expected to be completed by July 2025.

It was being funded by revenue from harvesting council-owned trees on the island in 2023 and from renewal funding.

To minimise disruption and ensure that children on the island can continue to attend school on the mainland, it would be built alongside the existing wharf, which would be dismantled once the new wharf was completed.

Timber from the old wharf would be recycled, and some of it would be woven into the design of proposed structures, such as seats and picnic tables, on the adjoining foreshore reserve.

The council said it had worked closely with local iwi and hapū to ensure the design and construction aligned with cultural values and community needs.

A blessing, attended by iwi and hapū, and representatives from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tonkin and Taylor, HEB Construction and Blakely Pacific, was held before work started.

Construction has started on a new wharf at Panepane Point on Matakana Island. Photo / HEB Construction

Nessie Kuka of Ngāi Tuwhiwhia said the new wharf was an important asset for the island, and the local community was excited to see the work begin.

“We’ve worked really closely with Western Bay of Plenty District Council. It’s been a long journey, and now here we are celebrating this kaupapa,” Kuka said.

Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the new wharf was the successful culmination of several years of consultation and planning, and would provide an important connection to the mainland for generations to come.

“It’s really exciting to move forward and replace the old with the new,” Watson said.

“The old wharf served its purpose for many years, but this new one has been designed to last. The steel and aluminium construction will stand up much better to the marine environment, reducing maintenance costs over time.”

The dual jetty and pontoon design would improve accessibility and functionality while doubling user capacity, Watson said.

“The pontoon is easier to get on and off, while the stairs provide an all-weather option, where boats can access the wharf at different locations, depending on the tidal water level at the time.

“But this isn’t just about transport – it’s about community, history, and ensuring that Matakana Island remains well connected for many years to come.”

The council resolved to transfer 172ha of land, commonly known as Panepane Pūrakau, to a local hapū trust in October 2021.

The five hapū that connect to Matakana Island are part of Ngāi te Rangi iwi and include Ngāi Tuwhiwhia, Ngāti Tauaiti, Te Ngare, Te Whānau a Tauwhao and Ngā Tamawhariua.

Under the transfer agreement, a 13ha public reserve would be created to ensure public access to the foreshore is 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.

The council continued to work through the statutory process to transfer the land, which was taking longer than anticipated.