About the Project
Developing aquaculture in the ocean off Ōpōtiki, and in the wider eastern Bay of Plenty depends on better access to the harbour. As late as the mid-1960s, Ōpōtiki's harbour was a key part of the district's transport infrastructure. It was a vital link to markets, supporting the transportation of goods and products within New Zealand and the wider world.
However, as the region's roading infrastructure developed, use of the port diminished, and the harbour was not maintained. There was a significant shallowing of the Waioeka River mouth (harbour entrance), which has resulted in access being limited to smaller vessels, and then those can only cross the bar at the Waioeka River mouth under favourable tide and weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions further reduce harbour access for marine activities.
The desire to re-establish the town’s harbour has been a long-held aspiration of the Ōpōtiki community. The harbour project will provide a platform for sustainable economic growth in the district by:
- Increasing the overall social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the Ōpōtiki community and the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
- Enhancing recreation opportunities and public access to the coast.
- Capitalising on opportunities arising from the 3,800 hectare marine farm under development offshore from Ōpōtiki .
- Providing a platform for other Eastern Bay of Plenty aquaculture ventures.
- Mitigating flooding of the Ōpōtiki township and surrounding area.
- Achieving long-held community aspirations.
- Creating opportunity for other port business and marine development.
- Stimulating other industry that could use sea freight transport.
Latest phase
The preferred option for improving the harbour entrance is to build a parallel groyne system. Consent to start the work has been granted and the District Council is now in the process of developing the business case, seeking funding and starting the consent implementation.
Read about the history of the project
Opotiki Harbour Transformation Project - Strategy Document (PDF 5.9MB)
About the Project | Background | Our Key Partners | Community Benefits | Technical Data
