Paekākāariki Seawall takes hammering

With the recent heavy storm damage to the Paekākāariki Seawall many locals will be welcomimg the planned construction of a new wall.

Paekākāariki residents had an opportunity to see how the design of their new seawall was progressing last week.

The current seawall has been in place for 38 years and no longer effectively protects The Parade behind it, as highlighted by the recent heavy seas that damaged a section of the wall and caused part of the road to crumble away.

Residents, who were consulted over engineering, ecological, amenity and social aspects of the concept design of the new seawall with the community board and a community design group several years ago, were updated on how the detailed design is developing at a meeting with Council staff.

When the detailed design of the new seawall has been finalised and endorsed by the Community Board, a tender will go out for its construction mid-year with works to start several months later.

The seawall, expected to be completed by mid-2019, will be a combination of concrete, timber and rock with a walk/cycleway at the top and upgraded accessways at regular intervals along it.

Deputy Mayor and Ward Councillor for Paekākāariki, Janet Holborow, says having the community so involved in the project has ensured residents’ values have been integrated into the design of the new structure.

“Residents will be able to look at the final detailed design before construction starts later this year and provide feedback on potential public art and planting along the seawall,” she says.

Resource consent for the seawall was granted by the Greater Wellington Regional Council in May 2016.
This project was one of six identified as a priority for the district in the long term plan 2015-35.