The new Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island is officially open, providing a safer, more accessible connection between the island and the mainland.

Around 60 people attended the opening, including local iwi and hapū, Western Bay of Plenty District Council elected members and staff, and representatives from Tonkin + Taylor, HEB Construction, Structure Design, with a special visit from ‘Miss Ada’, the school ferry.

The opening marked the successful completion of several years of planning, consultation, and collaboration between council, iwi, hapū, and project partners to deliver a durable structure that would serve the island for decades to come.

The occasion was acknowledged with a blessing from kaumātua Bob Rolleston and waiata from local tamariki, before attendees were invited to walk the wharf and pontoon.

Constructed primarily from steel and aluminium, the $2.1 million wharf replaces an ageing timber structure that was built in the 1980s and had been damaged by marine worms.

The new wharf could be accessed via a pontoon and gangway, or by stairs. While the pontoon was the more accessible option, the stairs provided an all-weather alternative, where boats could access the wharf at different locations, depending on the tidal water level at the time.

Timber from the old wharf would be recycled, with some of it being woven into the design of proposed structures, such as seats and picnic tables, on the adjoining foreshore reserve.

Council worked closely with local iwi and hapū throughout the project to ensure the design and construction reflected cultural values and community needs.

The five hapū that connected to Matakana Island were part of Ngai te Rangi Iwi and include Ngai Tuwhiwhia, Ngati Tauaiti, Te Ngare, Te Whānau a Tauwhao and Ngai Tamawhariua.

Nessie Kuka, of Ngai Tuwhiwhia, said it was exciting to see the wharf finished.

“It will make a real difference for everyone who lives here, especially for our tamariki getting to school on the mainland,” she says.

“It’s wonderful to see the wharf already being used and enjoyed.”

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said it was a vital link for Matakana Island and an important community asset.

“The new wharf provides a safer, more reliable way for people to get to and from the island,” he said.

“It’s great to see a project like this come to life after years of planning and working closely with the community. It will make daily life easier and more connected for residents.”

Council resolved to transfer 172ha, commonly known as Panepane Pūrakau, to a local hapū Trust in October 2021.

Under the transfer agreement, a 13-ha public reserve was to be created to ensure public access to the foreshore was protected in perpetuity, and an esplanade strip would follow the harbour’s edge to the ocean side.

This meant the public would still be able to fish off the wharf, walk along the beach and use the recreational areas such as water skiing lanes.

Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said that, while the public could access the wharf and foreshore, people were encouraged to respect the whenua (land) and nearby forest.

“There are commercial forestry operations nearby so please stick to the harbour margins and don’t wander along the road or into other parts of the forest,” he said.

“We would also like to remind people visiting the area that lighting fires is strictly prohibited. We don’t want a repeat of the fire that occurred on the island two years ago.”

Peter pointed out that there was a wharepaku (toilet) next to the new wharf, which was available for visitors.

“We’re also planning new signage to help visitors understand the ‘dos’ and don’ts‘ while visiting, so everyone can enjoy the area safely and respectfully.”