Ōpōtiki District Council and Anikararere ki Tai, the mandated environmental authority for Ngaitamahaua hapū, advise that repair and road resilience improvement works are now underway at Ōpape Beach following significant storm damage sustained late last year.
The severe weather event caused substantial erosion and damage to the public road, prompting the need for protective measures to ensure safe access for the community.
Delta Contracting has been engaged to undertake the construction works. These works include extending the existing protection wall beyond the end of the road and tying it into the existing culvert. This approach will help prevent future erosion around the rock protection and reduce the risk of the road being compromised again.
As an important part of the project, Anikararere ki Tai is providing cultural support and active cultural monitoring. Their involvement ensures that the mana and tīkanga of Ngaitamahaua hapū are upheld throughout the works, and that cultural safety is maintained for both the project and the people involved.
Ōpōtiki District Council and Anikararere ki Tai are committed to working in partnership to support safeguarding the Opape environment, enhance hapū community wellbeing, and ensure the road remains safe and resilient for years to come.
We would like to also advise that public access to the beach and surrounding areas will be closed while the works are underway. This temporary closure helps keep everyone safe, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
Ngā manaakitanga
