A third workshop, was held on 30 May 2022 to discuss the Manu Bay Break wall short comings arranged by Waikato District Council and facilitated by Tim Clarke of Collaborative Solutions.
It was attended by members of the Raglan Sports Fishing Club, Point Board Riders, affected land owners, and some members of the community, Waikato District Council and Community Board.
The break wall is located immediately north of the boat ramp and is intended to shelter the ramp from the ocean swells to provide a safe launching of water craft and access to the ocean. The original break wall was replaced in 2015 following the failure of the end section in late 2014.
Since the new break wall has been constructed there have been concerns within the community that there is an increased level of over topping and surge up the ramp which has decreased the usability of the boat ramp.
Since the break wall was rebuilt there has been three reports done on the break wall. One by eCoast (2020) for WDC, and by Tonkin & Taylor (2017) for the Raglan Sport fishing club and a further report by 4Sight Consulting (2021) for WDC.
From the reports the construction of the new break wall varies compared to the old in that it has been straightened out to make it more linear rather than bending to the north as the original structure did. It is marginally wider having a greater footprint and has a more gently sloping profile on the seaward side compared to the old structure, and the crest heights of the lower end of the wall are below the level of MHWS.
There have been two previous workshops in recent years to discuss the concerns and this has resulted in some minor works being undertaken. For example, the removal of rocks on the seaward side to reform the chute that existed adjacent to the breakwater prior to its reconstruction, removal of the rocks that are washing over the ramp during high tides and monitoring of the overtopping and surges up the ramp which has been carried out by 4SIGHT Consulting (1920) for WDC.
This monitoring has revealed the susceptibility of the break water to overtopping due to high static water levels. Video footage shows over topping of the structure during spring tide conditions and when minimal swell is present and on lower tides when moderate swell conditions exist.
The monitoring also showed the migration of small to medium rocks across the break water and that they are being deposited on the ramp.
At the workshop on the 30th May the following was agreed
WDC to prepare a scope of work to be issued to relevant experts primarily eCoast, and Tonkin & Taylor to design and consider appropriate engineering options to solve the problems with the breakwater and boat ramp. Completed.
Scope to be circulated to stakeholders for comment prior to being issued to relevant experts. Completed.
Engineering consultants to investigate options – in progress Due end August.
Once the experts have completed their work and the options are identified they will be peer reviewed.
Draft option paper to be issued to stakeholders second half October
Draft options to be presented to the stakeholders at a work shop in early November 2022
As concerns about the performance of the break wall have been ongoing since the new break wall was constructed in 2015, we appreciate that many people are frustrated with the time and effort that has been expended and we hope that by year end we have resolution on a way forward.
Feel free to contact Lisa Thompson, WDC Whaingaroa Ward Councilor or Dennis Amoore, Raglan Community Board if you have any further questions.
