Fixing Tinopai Wharf

Yesterday we had the privilege of being visited by Hon. Shane Jones who joined us for a tour of some key infrastructure projects in the district.

He is the Minister for Regional Development, Oceans and Fisheries, and Resources, and the Associate Minister for both Resources and Energy, and is therefore a busy man. We are very grateful to him for making himself available for Kaipara. Many of the positive projects we see being completed across Kaipara are the result of Minister Jones' engagement with Kaipara and his assistance with obtaining central government funding for us.

Council has been working with the Tinopai community on solutions to fix or replace the wharf. Detailed inspections completed in June 2025 identified extensive structural deterioration well beyond available maintenance budgets. As a result, the wharf was fully closed in July 2025.

The project proposes a full reconstruction of the wharf. While the rebuilt wharf would closely resemble the existing structure and remain within the same footprint, it would be modified to allow vessels to dock alongside.

Council has limited funding available and a full reconstruction is beyond current budgets. Council’s existing project budget is proposed as co‑funding, with external funding required to progress the project.

This includes an application to the Regional Infrastructure Fund for $1 million. In parallel, the Tinopai community has formed a Trust to raise additional support.

Minister Jones had a chance to meet members of the Tinopai community, recognised the importance of the wharf and was supportive of the proposal.

A great outcome is looking positive!