Chatham Islands Waitangi Wharf opened

  • Hon Tracey Martin
Internal Affairs

The new Waitangi Wharf on Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri was officially opened by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin today.

 “This $52 million wharf upgrade is very significant for the Chatham Islands community, which relies on shipping for essential resources, like diesel for the electricity grid and fuel for air services,” says Minister Martin.

 “The increased operating capacity of the wharf will also have flow on effects for the local economy, with exports accounting for a significant proportion of the Chatham Islands income.

 “The upgraded wharf will make shipping more reliable, improve the health and safety of those that use Waitangi Wharf and improve animal welfare for exported livestock.”

 The wharf upgrade includes:

  • a 163 metre breakwater made of 4000 Xblocs (an interlocking concrete block designed to protect the wharf from the impact of incoming waves);
  • 10,700 square metres of port area;
  • a 90 metre long cargo wharf;
  • a 35 metre fishermen’s wharf; and
  • water tanks for 100 cattle.

 The Minister said the project was logistically difficult given the Chatham Islands’ geographical isolation and challenging weather conditions, but it was delivered efficiently and cost effectively by a cross-government and industry partnership, led by the Memorial Park Alliance. The Alliance includes the Department of Internal Affairs, the New Zealand Transport Agency, HEB Construction, Downer, Tonkin & Taylor, and AECOM.

 “The opening of the Waitangi Wharf is the culmination of years of hard work from community groups, the private sector and government agencies. They should be congratulated for how they have worked together to deliver such an important project for the Chatham Islands,” says Minister Martin.

 ENDS

 Contact Richard Ninness 029 235 0423