Surf Club and Slip Repair | Media Release #3

5th December 2024

Works undertaken to date and a lookahead for works up to Christmas:

Earth Stability Limited has been busy working alongside key stakeholders over October and November with early slip repair works. These include the clearing of damaged vegetation from the weather event and undertaking geotechnical site investigations, both with the assistance of a helicopter for lifting. In addition, an archaeological investigation was undertaken by project archaeologist's and members from Hapu group, Te Uri o Hau, as the repair of the slip is within an heritage site.

Te Uri o Hau Environs welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Mangawhai Surf Club on the slip repair project. Shereen Worthington, Environs Kaitiaki, actively participated in the excavation of a minor sized trench above the slip of the Pā site behind the surf club. She quotes: “I am privileged to have been involved in the excavation to help get an understanding of how our tūpuna lived and the tools they used. This Pā is one of two sites significant to Te Uri o Hau that surround the Mangawhai Heads. As mana whenua, we are tasked as kaitiaki to protect and preserve any remnants from this Pā to uphold its heritage and integrity for the future generations to come.”

Looking forward to December, detailed design of the upper section of the slip will be near completion, and loose and unstable rocks and debris will be dropped in a controlled manner onto the existing debris pile below.

In addition to the repair of the slip on the Pa site, damage also occurred during the weather event to the existing seawall structure in front of the surf club house. 3 areas of damage that are posing a risk to public safety are planned to be temporarily repaired during the week 9th to 15th of December, prior to the busy holiday period. This repair, authorised by Northland Regional Council, will only be a short term measure to safeguard the public until a long term solution for the full seawall is designed and consented. For limited times during the repair, earthworks plant will be working on the beach and the public will be required to stay clear.

Meanwhile Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Volunteer Lifeguard Service has already begun patrolling for the season and looking forward to a great summer ahead. With the warmer weather starting we have had plenty of beach users out already enjoying our beautiful beach and estuary. We hope everyone has a wonderful, safe summer break.