Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) to repair and upgrade the Seawall and Boat ramp for resilience and improved access

MHVLS is pleased to announce that construction will soon be underway to repair and upgrade the Seawall and Boat Ramp which was damaged in 2023.
The existing seawall structure was originally built in the late 1800's alongside the estuary's groyne. It was later added to in the 1960's as the clubhouse was constructed and has since been continually battered and then repaired over the last 65 years. The design and materials originally used have always been sub standard and therefore over time, approximately 10-15m of dune has regressed towards the MHVLS clubhouse. In addition, the associated existing boat ramp was also under engineered and is not concreted down to the lowest possible sand level, therefore is cut off during large weather events or unfavourable cycles of sand movement. During the weather events of 2023, a substantial collapse of the seawall lost another 2-3m of land. These two assets needed to be repaired and upgraded asap to ensure MHVLS can always access and operate effectively for the community.
MHVLS sought funding from various sources whilst undertaking design and consenting from Northland Regional Council (NRC). MHVLS is pleased to announce that funding has recently been secured from Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) to complete the repair and upgrade. The design will rebuild the seawall from the bedrock layer below the beach sand up at a flatter profile with imported, durable, quarried rock. This hard structure has been engineered for 2130 climate change levels and 100 year storm surges. The hard engineered structure will be covered with site won sand and planted to form a natural dune. This dune will still erode and regenerate over time in cycles, but the harder rock structure will remain robust. The newly designed boat ramp will continue the concrete surface much further down to bedrock so that access will always be available regardless of the beach's sand movement. 
A project blessing will be undertaken in late July, followed by construction works throughout winter and spring. MHVLS has awarded the project to local contractor Wharehine Construction and hopes for it to be completed before the start of the lifeguarding season. Whilst construction works are underway, the MHVLS clubhouse and operations will run as usual, with only the front lawn area taken up for works. A temporary boat ramp will be installed whilst the permanent boat ramp is being repaired and upgraded. At times, the last public accessway to the beach will be closed to allow Wharehine to complete the boat ramp safety.