Ōpōtiki’s Harbour Redevelopment images spark imagination

For immediate release: 6 March 2014

Photo simulations of Ōpōtiki’s Harbour Redevelopment Project have sparked the imagination of the local community and reignited discussion of the benefits that the redevelopment would bring to the town.

Produced by Isthmus Consultants, the photo imagery brings to life the harbour structures and some of the ideas that are driving the project, including a vibrant and active marine area and harbour frontage for the town.

The Harbour Redevelopment is a project to build twin groynes and associated works, creating a year-round navigable harbour entrance at Ōpōtiki. The project is an enabling project for Whakatōhea’s aquaculture proposal and other marine activities.

Last year, Bay of Plenty Regional Council pledged $18million to the project and the District Council is seeking to match this funding with support from central government in the 2014 Budget.

Ōpōtiki District Councillor, Shona Browne, said that the excitement around the town was a great boost for those working on the project.

“The project has been in the pipeline for more than 10 years so it has been part of the backdrop for the community for a long time. It is great to get this fresh excitement and a real sense that all the work is coming to fruition. There are pictures in the windows of local shops and people are talking about it again.

“As the project becomes a little more real, you can get a sense of how it might impact the day to day lives of those living here,” Ms Browne said.

Ōpōtiki Mayor, John Forbes, agreed and said that for a project of this size and impact, there was a significant amount of lead time before the first sod was turned.

“Ten years seems like a long time, but it takes that long to ensure that all your ducks are in a row. That investment of time has paid off – a resource consent is now held for the largest aquaculture development of its kind in the country. We also have a very close relationship with Eastern Sea Farms to ensure that everything we are doing aligns and the projects are working together. We have buy-in from the community and we have the support of the Regional Council. We have the science and research that tells us that the mussels that grow out at sea are some of the best in the world and we have detailed geotechnical information to develop the best plans for harbour construction. We are incredibly well placed to make this a reality and hit the go button,” Mr Forbes said.

The photo simulations use aerial photos and superimpose the structures and activity associated with the harbour redevelopment. The images show the twin groynes, the large structures jutting out to sea that would create the year-round navigable harbour entrance. They also show the existing town centre and the significance of an aquaculture industry hub that would be an outcome of the Eastern Sea Farms sister-project.

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