What’s happening?
A build-up of gravel and silt has formed a ‘gravel island’ in the Waikanae River, just downstream of the Otaihanga Boat Club. This area sits within the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve, a place valued for its natural beauty, ecological significance, and cultural importance to mana whenua.
The gravel build-up has caused the river to split into two channels. As a result, parts of the riverbank are being eroded, especially on the northern side, where there’s a naturally erodible sand dune. If the erosion continues, it could eventually threaten nearby homes and infrastructure.
Who’s involved?
Greater Wellington is leading this work, in partnership with:
- Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust (mana whenua)
- Department of Conservation (DOC)
- Kāpiti Coast District Council
- Wellington Fish and Game
Together, we are working carefully to make sure the work respects the environment, upholds the mauri (life force) of the awa (river), and follows all the correct legal and cultural processes.
What are we doing about it?
We are carrying out a gravel management activity using diggers and bulldozers to protect the riverbanks and reduce erosion.
The works will include:
- Cutting a new low-flow channel through the gravel island
- Using the gravel to reinforce the riverbanks
- All gravel remains on site. Nothing will be removed from the river.
These works are designed to manage erosion.
To ensure public safety, walking tracks in the area may be closed at times. Look out for signage and follow contractor's instructions.
Why is this area important?
The Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is a special place. It’s important because:
- It provides a significant estuarine habitat
- It has a high level of legal protection
- It holds deep cultural and spiritual value for mana whenua
- It lies just upstream of the Kāpiti Island Marine Reserve
- It’s a popular spot for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature
Any activity in this area must be carefully planned and approved.
How are you protecting fish and the environment during the gravel works?
We’re taking several steps to reduce environmental impacts during these works.
- Fish will be safely relocated before any work begins using nets. This will be done by an experienced ecologist working on behalf of Greater Wellington, with support from DOC and Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.
- The work is timed to be outside of spawning and migration seasons for inanga (whitebait).
- We’ll do as much work as possible outside of flowing water and during low tide windows to limit disturbance.
- The site will be monitored before and after the works, and the reshaped riverbanks will be planted with native species.
What approvals are needed?
Before work was allowed to begin, two approvals were required:
- A resource consent (for work in the river) – Greater Wellington already holds this.
- A concession (for work in the Scientific Reserve) – This was issued by DOC.
These approvals ensure the work is done safely, legally, and with the environment and community in mind.
When will the work happen?
We expect the work to commence on Monday, 7th July and take up to two weeks but it may take longer depending on the weather.
If for any reason the work cannot be carried out during this period we may look at doing the work at another time, but only in agreement with DOC and Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.
Will this work reduce flood risk?
The planned works may slightly reduce local water levels during small floods, but they are not flood protection works, they are focused on erosion.
Want to know more?
This page will be updated as the project progresses.
If you have questions, you can contact Greater Wellington on info@gw.govt.nz or call 0800 496 734.
