Orewa seawall project progresses

Work on the next phase of the Ōrewa seawall project is underway after the resource consent was granted via the Environment Court, Auckland Council said.

The project is now in the developed design phase, with site surveying and investigation due to begin in May 2022.

Once this phase is complete, the final construction costs will be determined, and the construction programme will be finalised.

Final decisions around the amount and timings of budget allocation will then need to be made by the governing body.

Construction on the seawall is expected to commence in late 2023 at the earliest.

The impact of storm events on Ōrewa beach is regularly monitored, with the post-storm impacts of erosion continuing to be managed via sand replenishment, which is a permitted activity under the resource consent.

This management response has been successfully undertaken for the past 20 years and at this time, remains the most cost-effective way to maintain a dry high tide beach, with the related benefits of improved amenity and pedestrian access.