Horizons’ long-term commitment to port
Horizons Regional Council has committed to funding work to help ensure the Whanganui Port remains economically viable.
More than $500,000 has been earmarked for repair work at the North and South moles, which would include the creation of structures protecting the riverbank from further erosion.
The infrastructure works are part of Te Pūwaha, a $62 million port revitalisation project.
The long-term contribution agreed to was an initial fund of $250,000 for 2024-25, $250,000 in 2025-26, and $100,000 per year until 2034.
It would be conditional on going into a joint fund with the Whanganui District Council and funding already provided by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.
Horizons chairperson Rachel Keedwell said as a project partner they wanted to own the environmental impacts the project work would have on Te Awa Tupua.
“By offering funding towards this, we have the opportunity to give back more than we take, and leave the awa in a healthier state, which in turn has a positive impact on our wider community.”
Keedwell said these sorts of decisions were significant because each of the council’s projects within Te Pūwaha had some sort of impact on the river.
“The specific mechanics and methodology is yet to be discussed with hapū and our project partners.
“As a first step we wanted to formalise our commitment from Horizons so that we can come together as a collective, with a resource available to contribute towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of the awa.”
She said the first year’s funding came from within Horizons’ Te Pūwaha budget, and it was important people knew further funding would likely be needed “to deliver all components of Te Pūwaha committed to”.
Te Pūwaha project chairperson Kahureremoa Aki said she was pleased to see Horizons “making these types of decisions”.
“Our project has a number of interdependent aspects and the North and South moles need to be highlighted as critical aspects of this project.
“We have always sought to create abundance through this project, and this confirmation of commitment by the council to Te Awa Tupua means this can be achieved above and beyond these interdependent aspects.”
Progress Castlecliff’s Jamie Waugh, who had been leading the project at the North mole, said it was great to see the regional council follow through on promises it made in 2021.
“The contribution, together with contributions from Whanganui District Council, MBIE, and private and charitable funders, will ensure enhanced biodiversity, improved environmental outcomes and climate resilience in balance with an improved amenity for the public.
“We are also grateful for hapū’s leadership and generosity in helping community and councils understand how the voice of the environment can be amplified for the benefit of all.”
“By offering funding towards this, we have the opportunity to give back more than we take ...”
Rachel Keedwell