In 2021 the Council was made aware of contamination in Te Raekaihau Point area. This was a low-lying historic dump and landfill site, with waste dumped throughout much of the early 1900s.
Preliminary site investigations confirmed heavy metals, asbestos in soil and in bulk fragments, and hydrocarbons at the site, with waste extending up to 2 meters below ground level.
Though the risk to people, animals and the environment is considered low, the location is vulnerable to storm surges and further sea level rise. It is only several meters away from the high tide mark, low lying and starting to erode. A temporary rock revetment has been put in place to protect the site from further erosion in the short term, but this is not a long-term solution.
Wellington City Council’s Manager Parks Sport and Recreation Paul Andrews says Te Raekaihau Point is deemed safe for the public to visit.
“Safety of people and contractors carrying out the removal of the contaminated material is paramount. While materials are being removed an exclusion zone with safety tape and signage will be set up. All barriers and warning signs will stay in place until the removal work has been completed and a clearance certificate issued,” adds Paul.
Starting next week, Lizards - skinks and gecko - are being relocated to the hill behind the site under a Department of Conservation permitted and approved Lizard Management Plan. Lizards are legally protected from disturbance, harm or death under the Wildlife Act.
Council officers and contractors are working closely with mana whenua on the project as it is a location of interest and value, and is welcoming their support and advice on returning the land to its natural state.
Rāwiri Walsh (Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) says it’s not by accident that Pōneke is the only city in the world with increasing biodiversity.
“When a mistake of the past was found, WCC and GWRC haven’t shied away from the task at hand, including Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and the local community for a collective response and showing kōtahitanga in action.
“Mokomoko have always been powerful tohu for iwi Māori, and these ones in particular will live on as an example of the tiakitanga within the people of Wellington,” adds Rāwiri.
About 1,000m3 of materials will then be excavated, wrapped and removed and deposited safely at the Southern Landfill, with site works expected to start in late April 2025.
The area will be restored with coastal plants to encourage native species like lizards and penguins to return to the area and to keep its rugged and natural coastal environment.
Te Raekaihau Point is located on the South Coast of Wellington between Lyall and Houghton Bays and is a pedestrian walkway and recreational area.