Works to remove Jull Wharf to start Monday 1 May.

Published: 26 April 2023

We are putting in place traffic management around the ‘Iron Pot’ area of Ahuriri, directly beside Jull Wharf. Speed limits will be reduced to 20km/h but will be flowing in both directions with no other disruptions to normal traffic movements.

Jull wharf has reached the end of its life and needs to be removed. The wharf is built over reclaimed land, some of which is rubble from the 1931 earthquake.

The berm, footpath and roadway are all under threat as their substrate is linked to the rubble under the wharf. The berm has already disintegrated and now only rock is visible. There have been barriers in place for a number of months as well as a Perspex cover over parts of the site. The site is being very closely and carefully monitored using CCTV cameras, drone and the perspex screen over the berm to have visuals on the situation underneath.

To remove the wharf, the rocks and logs that form the foundation of the wharf must be carefully removed by an excavator. While works on the site are taking place, penguin experts – led by Dr John Cockrem of Massey University – will be located at Jull Wharf keeping a close eye out for any kororā nesting among the rocks under the wharf and in the revetment that sits alongside the wharf. If a penguin is found it will be relocated to the Port Sanctuary or to the National Aquarium of New Zealand. This process will begin on 3 May and last for up to a week. Preparatory work will start on 1 May to ensure the site and equipment is ready to go and the safety of the public is prioritised. Traffic Management Plans will be in place and the timeline for the works is approximately 12 weeks.

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