The co-investment, totalling $13.135 million between central government and Horizons Regional Council, is to strengthen flood resilience and coastal protection in the Whanganui catchment.

The funding will enable the South Mole restoration and resilience upgrade works to be completed sooner.

Te Pūwaha project director Hayden Turoa said the funding announcement reinforced the strength of the project’s collaborative approach.

“Te Pūwaha is built on partnership. This investment reflects not only confidence in the project’s outcomes, but also the collective effort between hapū, Horizons, central government, and our wider project partners,” Turoa said.

“It’s been an incredibly busy time at the port, and the mahi we are all continuing to deliver is helping ensure the Lower Whanganui remains resilient and thriving for future generations.”

The first phase of works began earlier this year, with the Tanea Groyne now 50 metres in length and the South Mole embankment built to a height of 2.3 metres. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Phase two will see the South Mole extended to its full length at a height of 2.3 metres, along with works to improve resilience upstream of the Tanea Groyne on the South Spit.

Design and consents are in place for the first component of this newly funded works programme to get underway.

The cost share for the South Mole restoration will be based on a 60 percent government contribution and 40 percent local contribution, with the local share funded via Horizons’ Lower Whanganui Scheme.

Horizons Regional Council group manager of catchment operations, Dr Jon Roygard, said work was underway to establish the new project, including seeking the recently elected council’s input.

“Our partnership with Kānoa and the positive working relationship across project partners have been invaluable,” Roygard said.

“Together, we’re building resilience along our awa while enabling the community to be a part of the journey.”

The announcement comes as the project team prepares to host a community day from 11am to 2.30pm at South Beach on Saturday, 1 November, inviting the public to tour the works, meet project partners, and learn more about how Te Pūwaha is restoring and protecting Whanganui’s working port and river mouth.

4WD tours will take groups out to the South Mole, big machines will be on show, and there will be a free sausage sizzle.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.