7 September 2021
The stunning coastal community of Ōpononi on State Highway 12 (SH12) is part of Te Tai Tokerau | Northland’s Twin Coast Discovery Route – a crucial connection for businesses and jobs related to tourism and everyone using SH12 for business, leisure and daily commutes.
Coastal highways are at increasing risk of damage from flooding, washouts and erosion from storm surge and extreme weather events – all made worse by poor drainage. Coastal erosion on an existing SH12 seawall was threatening the road in six locations between Ōpononi and Ōmāpere. With repeated road closures, a resilient solution for this coastal connection was a priority.
To protect the area from further coastal erosion a full environmental impact assessment was completed, including wave and tidal assessments. In 2019, the seawall was removed and reconstructed, adding more rocks to make it wider and more resilient against weather and water. Existing culverts—designed to manage stormwater and help protect the highway and neighbouring properties—were extended.
Completed in late 2019, the Ōpononi Seawall helps protect access to this beautiful part of Te Tai Tokerau | Northland and ensure communities from across the Hokianga coast remain connected.
As part of the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme, more than $340 million will be invested in Te Tai Tokerau | Northland to maintain roads to help keep communities connected.
