Matakana Island wharf to receive $2 million upgrade

The New Zealand Government has announced a $2.01 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the Opureora Wharf on Matakana Island. As the island has no road connection to the mainland, the wharf serves as a critical lifeline for approximately 320 residents and the local economy, which relies on forestry, dairy farming, and horticulture.

The total $2.9 million project includes extending the existing seawall, widening and sealing the loading area, formalizing parking, improving stormwater management, and installing safety barriers. These improvements are intended to protect the coastal edge near Opureora Marae from erosion and resolve long-standing operational bottlenecks.

The project will be delivered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in partnership with the Opureora Marae Committee and relevant landowners.