Raglan residents get their first chance to test out improvements at the Whaaingaroa wharf today, including a newly constructed pontoon, kayak ramp, and eastern walkway.
These new additions to the wharf were officially opened to the community this morning in a dawn ceremony led by Kaumatua Atutahi Riki, of Ngaati Maahanga and Tainui.
Waikato District Council’s General Manager of Service Delivery Megan May says today was about celebrating the collaborative effort it’s taken to get the new additions over the line.
“Today marks the completion of the third of four projects to transform the wharf and wider harbour in Whaaingaroa.
“It is great to see the hard mahi pay off, and be another step closer to the completion of all four of these transformational projects,” she says.
“We couldn’t have done it without the funding we received from Kānoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, as well as our partnerships with Raglan Community Board and our Iwi partners, including Ngaati Maahanga and Ngāti Hourua, Tainui o Tainui, Ngaati Tahinga and Ngāti Tamainupō.
“These improvements were also made possible by the overwhelming support we received when we spoke to the wider community last year. We know the community have been keeping a close eye on our progress, and we’re so pleased to hand it over to them today.”
Raglan Community Board chair Dennis Amoore says the new additions set a promising standard for the upcoming western improvements.
“This is a great start in providing more room and more access for people to connect with the sea. The upcoming work on the western side of the wharf with its tidal stairs and seating will take that next step in transforming the area into a hub for the community,” he says.
