We’ve completed a comprehensive assessment of environmental effects and have produced many supporting reports and assessments. These cover all environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects of the proposed works and you can access each of them here.
Stage 1
This covers the rebuilding of Wharf 7 and the slipway. In December 2020, the resource consents were signed off by the Environment Court.
Timeframe: The Wharf 7 Project has begun and due to complete in October 2023, and the consolidation of the Slipway will follow after this.
Stage 2
This involves extending Wharf 8, around one hectare of reclamation, dredging, and rebuilding the outer breakwater structure. We will also be upgrading the Southern Log Yard with our award-winning stormwater treatment system, so run-off from the entire port is captured.
Timeframe: A resource consent application has been lodged.
Find out more about our Twin Berth Stage 2 application here.
Wharf 7 rebuild
This was built in the 1960s and needs replacing. By later next year, we will have demolished and rebuilt Wharf 7 to create a vital and resilient lifeline asset that will support Tairāwhiti’s growing exports. It will be strong enough to accommodate the mobile harbour cranes, and will be capable of withstanding a one-in-2500-year earthquake event.
Once Twin Berth Stage 2 is completed, two vessels will be able to berth on Wharves 7 and 8. This will support the forecast growth in the forestry industry, and enable businesses to export a greater range of products (including in containers).
Slipway upgrades
Originally built more than 90 years ago, the slipway is in need of some major maintenance, repairs and upgrades. These will also ensure we can safely manoeuvre two large vessels in the basin next to Wharf 7.
The construction will involve removing the old rusted sheet pile wall, maintaining the river training wall, reshaping the slipway edge and armouring it with boulders to protect this important asset. These measures will also enhance the habitat for juvenile crayfish and marine invertebrates within the harbour.
Kaitiaki and community
Forging closer connections with hapū and iwi is fundamental to the future success of all projects at Eastland Port. As part of the consenting process, we’ve formalised a consultative partnership with the hapū of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, to ensure cultural values and relationships are considered and recognised throughout our developments.
Sharing information with port customers, everyone who uses and enjoys the rivers and harbour, and our neighbours, is key to our journey.
Environmental commitments
We will be monitoring and reporting on a wider range of environmental factors, to ensure any effects are appropriately and responsibly managed.
We constantly seek to reduce our environmental footprint in line with our commitments as a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition. For example, we’re hoping to reutilise 100% of the bark and debris generated by the log yard, and we’re looking to recycle all construction demolition materials by incorporating these into our project designs.
The port’s ongoing initiatives include the Kopuawhakapata Stream regeneration with Ngati Oneone, the WaiRestoration programme with Enviroschools, and beach litter clean ups with Gisborne Girls’ High and Sustainable Coastlines.
Respecting our surroundings
Eastland Port sits in the centre of the city, at the base of Titirangi, surrounded by homes, businesses, important cultural sites, the awa and moana.
During the port’s developments the integrity of Te Toka-a-Taiau, the historic rock in the Tūranganui River, will be respected and preserved, as was agreed with the hapū of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa.
Considering and minimising impacts on the rich marine life that thrives in this area is also important, for the whole community.
THE CURRENT SITUATION – KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
100
increase in export tonnage through the port over the last 10 years
10
Eastland Port is New Zealand’s most efficient log export port
5
of total employment in the region is from agriculture, forestry and the processing of their products
50
is the expected cost of the port infrastructure upgrades over the next five years
The future economic benefits for Tairāwhiti
The Twin Berth project will provide significant economic stimulus and opportunities for the Tairāwhiti economy.
Over the next few years, it’s estimated that the Stage 2 construction alone (Wharf 8 extension, reclamation, capital dredging and the outer breakwater refurbishment) will result in:
86 additional FTE jobs for locals
$17.9 million per annum additional revenue spent with Tairāwhiti businesses
Once the construction of both stages of Twin Berth are complete, the ongoing benefits to Tairāwhiti are even more promising.
The project will accommodate the forecast increase in the region’s forestry exports. If it’s also successful in attracting a coastal container service for exporting a significant share of the region’s agricultural and horticultural products, it’s estimated that Eastland Port will help sustain:
Upwards of 40% of Tairāwhiti’s economic activity
Around 43% of the region’s total employment
Inner harbour precinct
This area features some of Tairāwhiti’s most popular restaurants and wine bars. It’s home to sites of cultural significance, which can be explored on the Tupapa heritage trail, along with top visitor attractions such as the Tairāwhiti waka houra and MV Takitimu.
We’ll work with our contractors and tenants, and follow all consent conditions, to minimise the impacts of the construction work in the inner harbour as much as possible.
New marina berths
The inner harbour and marina precinct is a regional hub for marine operations, and a popular recreational area. Recently we’ve removed piers 4 and 5 as they had reached the end of their useful life. We’re now looking at potential options for new piers.
We have obtained a resource consent to build the new pier. If there’s enough demand to support building them, the bespoke piers will be able to accommodate heavy duty commercial boats and pleasure vessels.
Sponsorships and events
As a part of the Tairāwhiti community, we sponsor a number of water-based athletes and competitions. And, we hold unique events for people to experience the port in new and unusual ways.
After five years of consultation, planning and construction, our $16 million wharfside storage yard was completed at the end of 2019. Before it opened, we invited the community to join us at the first ever WharfWheels.
