History
The Ōpōtiki Harbour Project has had a long history of development, which is outlined here.
Mid-1960s
Coastal shipping ceases to use the Ōpōtiki Harbour.
2002
First stage reported of a study to assess and report on the feasibility for improving navigability at the mouth of the Ōpōtiki Harbour.
2004
Second stage reported of a study to assess and report on the feasibility for improving navigability at the mouth of the Ōpōtiki Harbour.
2006
Eastern Sea Farms granted a permit to establish a 3,800-hectare marine farm; the country's largest, six kilometres off the coast from Ōpōtiki township.
2007 (June)
DHI's Stage 2 Preliminary Layout Assessment completed. Based on detailed studies of the "wave climate" and sediment transport patterns in the area of the harbour mouth, DHI identified six possible training wall, or groyne designs.
2007 (October and November)
DHI's modelling and testing programme saw the number of possible groyne structures narrowed down to two preferred options for a final modelling study and cost analysis.
2008
A preferred training wall structure, involving parallel groynes, is identified and detailed engineering, environmental impact and cost studies undertaken.
Engineering consultants have carried out detailed modeling of this system to identify the coastal and river processes which would result from the construction of the groynes.
Investigations of possible impacts on the environment, flora and fauna and heritage features have also been undertaken.
2008 (September)
Launch of the Bay of Connections Regional Economic Development Strategy, including Aquaculture as a key focus
2008 (November)
Resource consent applications are lodged with Environment BoP (The Bay of Plenty Regional Council) and notified for public submissions.
2009 (early year)
Resource consent applications heard.
Publication
2009 (July)
Independent Hearing Commissioners appointed by the Minister of Conservation, Environment Bay of Plenty and Ōpōtiki District Council grant a series of Coastal Permits and Land Use Consents to allow the development of the Ōpōtiki Harbour entrance.
2009
Launch of the Bay of Connections Regional Aquaculture Strategy, confirming the necessity for Opotiki Harbour to enable realisation of further Aquaculture in the Eastern Bay of Plenty
The Ōpōtiki Harbour stage two redevelopment team brought together a range of skills, local knowledge and technical expertise. Our team was:
- Project Manager: Steve Everitt (Waterline).
- Technical aspects of the Harbour study: DHI Water and Environment Ltd.
- Environmental planning and design: Boffa Miskell.
- Landscape Architect: Rachel de Lambert.
- Principal Ecologist: William Shaw (Wildlands).
- Ecologist: Maggie Bayfield (Wildlands).
- Survey and monitoring specialists: Dr. Chris Bycroft (Wildlands).
- William Shaw - Principal Ecologist, Director
- Maggie Bayfield - Ecologist
- Dr Chris Bycroft - Survey and Monitoring Specialist
