This project saw the repair of a seawall along State Highway 12 in Opononi that had suffered erosion in several places. These works will improve the resilience of the route by protecting the state highway from further coastal erosion.
Opononi sits on SH12, on the southern side of the Hokianga Harbour. It is a thriving community and a popular summer destination for tourists and boaties.
A seawall along the state highway had suffered erosion and was threatening the road in six locations between Opononi and Omapere.
Waka Kotahi restored and improved these sections. Where there was existing seawall this was removed and reconstructed with additional rocks to make it wider and more effective. Existing culverts were also extended as part of the works.
The Opononi Seawall project represented a significant resilience upgrade for SH12, protecting the area from further coastal erosion. The works were critical to futureproofing access to this beautiful part of Northland and to ensuring communities from end to end of the coast remain connected. Waka Kotahi worked closely with hapū, its partners and the community to ensure consideration of the environmental and cultural impacts of these works were at the forefront.
SH12 is a key part of the Twin Coast Discovery Route, Northland’s main tourism route, and improving the transport network here will make travel for visitors and locals safer and easier, as well as enabling future growth and development of the region.
The project was completed in late 2019.
