Infrastructure upgrades  |  Yesterday

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The rebuild of the $27 million Akaroa Wharf is on track for 2027, with construction on the new structure expected to begin early next year.

The project team submitted the resource consent applications for the wharf’s construction earlier this month.  

This will be a publicly notified resource consent processed by both Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council.   

Manager Regional Parks Paul Devlin says the project team are hopeful for the resource consent hearing to be held in early 2026.  

Construction of the new wharf will begin soon after the consent is granted, he says.  

Project completion is expected in mid-2027. 

Mr Devlin said the project team would host a public meeting in Akaroa on August 30 to provide an update to the community. 

The meeting will cover the design, timing, construction impacts, and the resource consent process. 

“We are dedicated to ensuring the new wharf meets the community's needs and continues to be a valued and iconic part of Akaroa. The public meeting will be a great opportunity for the community to hear firsthand about the rebuild and ask any questions.”  

To minimise disruption from the project, much of the work will be done from a barge travelling between the wharf and the Akaroa Boat Ramp.  

The largest contractors’ laydown area will be within the Akaroa Recreation Grounds, by the entrance to Akaroa.  

The layout of this area has been designed so that events including youth cricket can still be held at the grounds.  

The laydown area will expand and contract over the duration of the works to avoid taking up more space than needed.     

Condition surveys, engineering assessments, and recent geotechnical information have also provided further clarity around the complexities and costs incurred to work around the two privately-owned buildings connected to the wharf.  

Mr Devlin says Council will carry out minimal structural improvements to the buildings to allow them to stand independently from the wharf before the wharf is fully demolished.   

“To minimise risk of damage to the buildings during the rebuild and to ensure access for construction equipment, the new wharf will be set back approximately two metres back from the buildings.”  

Community update 

The community meeting will be held at the Gaiety Hall at 2pm on Saturday, 30 August. The meeting will be chaired by Dr David Miller, and presenters include Mr Devlin and Akaroa Wharf Project Manager Jane Benton. 

There will be an opportunity to ask questions following the update from Council. 

For more information on the project, visit https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/future-projects/major-facilities/akaroa-wharf.   

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