Work is under way this week on a new jetty extension at Ōpōtiki Wharf.

The extension is one of the updates to the Ōpōtiki Wharf Masterplan Ōpōtiki District Council agreed to in September 2023 to help safely accommodate industrial mussel boats and recreational activities at the wharf.

The council set aside $450,000 for harbour play equipment and jetty in the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan.

The council’s service and delivery programme lead, Ian McLeod, said the extension would add a new recreational space to the wharf that we hope the community will love.

“It will be a place where fisher people can drop a line, where kids big and small can drop a manu and provides an alternative water access point, giving options away from the boat ramp, which can become very busy with boats and other recreational users.”

Waka ama, kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders were just a few of the river users who would benefit.

“We think these improvements to safe water access will make all the difference come the summer months when the wharf is buzzing.

“The community won’t have long to wait before they can start enjoying it, with the completion date scheduled for next month.

“Given next month is mid-winter, it’s fair to say that fishing will probably be more popular than manu’s.

“For now, anyway. Overall, we think the improvements will be great for our community and we can’t wait to see people out enjoying it,” McLeod said.