Pānui
This update is intended to provide a status to all those who have supported the TBHT efforts to have the Tokomaru Bay Wharf restored.
Sadly, the efforts of the Trust and the community to repair the wharf haveended. During the trial repairs the true extent of the concrete decay became clear. During 2024 the TBHT requested of
Gisborne District Council an updated engineering report of the stability status of the wharf. That report confirmed our fears. The steel reinforcing within the concrete is rusting and expanding which is destroying the concrete structure. This process is accelerating. While the wharf deck looks ok, because the salt is washed away by rain, the underside and especially the piles are close to failing.
To repair the wharf to an acceptable state would be a huge financial commitment. Just to repair the piles was estimated at $2m in 2017 but in a quote in 2022 had reached $7m. Realistically, to have an expected life span of 50 years plus would need a total rebuild.
Following this the TBHT shifted their focus from the wharf restoration to consider a possible alternative for a jetty. Given successive weather events over the past two years had shown how fragile the road network is becoming.
Future flooding, landslides, wildfires and volcanic eruptions could threaten road access for supplies and evacuations in some situations.
A jetty concept would also have many recreational benefits. Walking, fishing, setting a pot, swimming and popping some manus/bombs.
To meet the civil defence and recreational uses doesn’t need an industrial sized structure. A smaller jetty, built on a single row of piles, leading out to a wider platform/deck in deeper water would be enough. A smaller platform/landing at the high tide level with steps down from the main platform would be ideal.
More recently a couple of members took the opportunity to share the visions of the TBHT with Shane Jones of a moorage necessity in Tokomaru Bay at his meeting commitment in Gisborne. Shane openly was supportive of the concept, but a basic requirement was to have in place economic viability.
Since then, several members have made approaches to the Whakatohea Open Mussels business in Opotiki. Their journey has taken several years to get to the stage they are at now. Their processes and infrastructure that have occurred as a result, is a fantastic model that could well assist us.
At this stage the TBHT is clear that their vision was initially the Wharf Restoration, its associated heritage, and to raise funds for that. That restoration is no longer the case.
There are three options we’d love your thoughts on:
1. A new Jetty: Our current knowledge of new Government and funding saving intentions, it would be unlikely this would be funded by any Central Government system purely for recreational or alternative accessibility functions. We were not successful raising funds to restore the wharf let alone a new jetty.
2. Provide an input to any interested group, consider a feasibility study of economic viability, Mussel farm industry for example, that would generate further traction with the current central government. It could lead to development of moorage and port facilities to cater for commercial type vessels as in the whakatōhea mussel industry.
3. Winding up the Tokomaru Bay Heritage Trust: Remaining funds spent on a heritage displays relevant to Wharf and Shipping Co areas. Dispersal of any remaining funds to appropriate community projects.
We are keen to hear your thoughts via email to our Tokomaru Bay Heritage Trust Secretary Ahi Pere
The TBHT has been well supported over the years by the Tokomaru Bay community including many with Bay connections living elsewhere. Several trusts and many Tairawhiti businesses have also been generous.Our sincere thanks for all your commitments and support to date.