Te Pūwaha South Mole to enter phase two, with native dune plantings ahead

Te Pūwaha, the Whanganui Port revitalisation project, is preparing for phase two and dune restoration during winter 2026. Photo / Noam Mānuka Lazarus

The Whanganui Port revitalisation project, Te Pūwaha, is preparing for phase two and a dune restoration of their South Mole sub-project this winter.

Phase one of the South Mole construction began in July 2025, with works completed in December 2025.

The South Mole was constructed to a length of about 250 metres, and Tanea Groyne was reinstated at about 50m.

Tanea Groyne constructed 50m into Whanganui River, part of new South Mole rockbed and riverside walkway. Photo / Noam Mānuka Lazarus

A mole is a long rock wall extending from the shore into the sea to protect harbours and ships from harsh sea conditions.

A groyne is extended into the river, in this case, to strengthen and direct the river’s flow, keeping the channel deeper and more stable to reduce erosion and trap sediment.

Sand has already started building up just downstream of the Tanea Groyne, protecting the South Mole from erosion, a Te Pūwaha spokesperson said.

Any impacts of the groyne on areas on the northern side of the awa are expected to be low, they said.

The interface wall at the base of the South Mole was also repaired in December.

Phase two will see the South Mole extended to its full length over winter, at a height of 2.3m, with other resilience works upstream on the South Spit.

About 5000sq m of spinifex, pīngao, wīwī, pōhuehue, and threatened species tātaraheke will be planted this winter for dune-binding and restoration.

Another 2500sq m will be planted once the South Mole upgrade is complete.

Placement and natural buildup of driftwood and plantings would also aim to create habitats for native lizards and katipō.

Signage will be installed to encourage the public to leave driftwood in place and stick to designated pathways to avoid trampling the vegetation.

The dunes at Whanganui's South Mole have been covered and protected over summer ahead of planting work planned for winter.

Te Pūwaha project director Hayden Turoa said the restoration works reflect the project’s kaupapa.

“The approach taken on the South Mole has been extremely inclusive and collaborative.

“Importantly, we have a clear plan to reinstate these areas with indigenous species that will enhance biodiversity and build long-term resilience.”

The plants were sourced locally with the help of The Learning Environment Pīwaiwaka farm’s plant salvage programme last year.

Horizons Regional Council group manager Dr Jon Roygard said the planting was critical work during the structural upgrades.

“These works are about protecting the alignment of the lower river channel and strengthening the resilience of the South Spit.”

He said it was important for the young plants to be left undisturbed while they grow.

A pou (post) is also intended to be unveiled for the project during Puanga - a star that signals the Māori new year for many nearby iwi, typically in late May or June.

The final location of the pou is currently being decided in partnership with hapū.

In February 2024, the Whanganui Chronicle reported that total investment in Te Pūwaha was over $62.85 million, including $31.8 million from central government.

$16.4 million had been allocated to the North Mole, South Mole and Tanae Groyne structures.

The Government’s Provincial Growth Fund covered $7.5m of this, with the rest by project partners.

Te Pūwaha will announce its successful tenderers for South Mole’s phase two construction in the coming weeks.

Noam Mānuka Lazarus (Ngāti Whatua o Kaipara) is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle.