Hopes rise for heritage wharf restoration

A group, dedicated to restoring the old Motueka Wharf is working hard, alongside council staff, to do the research, planning and fundraising necessary in preparation for the actual restoration.

Last year Keep Motueka Beautiful (KMB) offered to work with the Tasman District Council on the restoration of the old Motueka wharf. Since then, a Heritage Wharf Restoration Group has formed with representatives from KMB, the Motueka & Districts Historical Association, TDC and the Community Board.

The old wharf on Motueka Quay was constructed in 1887 and used until 1916, and its heritage, social and other values have been recognized by its registration as a Category 2 Historic Place. As a wharf built from stone it is almost unique in New Zealand. Its role in the economic and social development of the Motueka district, particularly in enabling the development of the fruit growing industry, gives it considerable historical and social significance.

In recent times it has become a popular local attraction and a tourist destination, especially in conjunction with the picnic area and the wreck of the Janie Seddon. It is a real asset to the town and a contributor to the local economy.

Sadly, the end of the wharf has collapsed, because of wave action and undermining, and all the stonework is badly in need of maintenance. The aim of the project is to restore the wharf to a condition in which it is resilient to increased wave action associated with more severe weather and sea conditions, resulting from climate change.

This will require reconstruction of the seaward end of the wharf and extensive repointing of the stonework. In addition, according to an expert arborist, it will be necessary to remove the pohutukawa trees, before their roots damage the stonework. The trees are relatively young at present, but they are already starting to obstruct access along the wharf. If left, the trees would grow wider than the wharf and their roots will likely dislodge the stonework. It would be possible to replace them with some trees along the shore near the wharf.

“It is not intended to be a complete restoration,” says chair of the Heritage Wharf Restoration Group chair Isobel Mosley.

“For example, we propose to retain the grass surface, rather than returning it to the original gravel.”

The group is currently considering whether or not to restore the original fence along the north side and wrought iron stanchion and rope barrier along the south side.  Safety aspects will need to be taken into consideration and all work will need to meet the requirements of Heritage New Zealand. The group has commenced iwi consultation and is keen to hear the public’s views.

The group is in the process of getting cost estimates for the restoration.

“In the meantime, we are working on a ballpark estimate of $250,000,” Isobel says.

“We hope the restoration will be funded by a combination of public donations, grant funding (in particular the Lotteries Heritage Fund) and TDC.”

The Motueka Community Board has just allocated $10,000 to the project, after public voting put it top of the list for the Board’s special projects fund. If you’d like to comment or offer support, email restoringmotuekaher itagewharf@gmail.com