Background
The rock wall next to Frank Kitts Park promenade on Wellington’s waterfront is about 190 metres long and extends from the entrance of Whairepo Lagoon (and bridge) to the south, to Shed 6 and TSB Arena to the north. The area includes the wind whirler sculpture.
This structure –called rock revetment– protects the waterfront and parts of our central city from coastal erosion caused by the waves during stormy weather and other environmental impacts. It was built as part of reclamation works in the late 1960’s. Over the last 50 years some of the rocks have moved out of place, exposing the clay soil.
This is a high profile and well used recreational space for events, commuting and relaxing. The area also contains kororā/little penguins which nest there in season.
About the project
This project has been identified as a priority due to the loss and movement of rocks within the revetment. Additionally, the rock barrier has been eroded and become steeper.
To prevent further loss of rocks and exposed earth, we’ll repair the damaged sections with concrete pour at discrete locations.
The work will begin in April 2025 and will take up to about 8 weeks to complete. This timeframe coincides with the end of the kororā breeding and moulting season to reduce the risk of kororā being on site.
There will be signage to inform people what works we're doing and why, including protecting future kororā nesting there.
The pedestrian area will be narrowed during this time. Works will be restricted to 50-metre sections at a time to improve the safety of people using this area of the waterfront. Traffic management will be in place to ensure pedestrian safety by slowing down bikes, scooters and other modes of transport.
We're working in partnership with Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, our Tākai Here partners, as this is an important site for them due to the kororā and being part of the coastline of Te Whanganui a Tara.
We’ll keep waterfront tenants, shop owners, pedestrians, and Wellingtonians informed about project activity before the works begin.
Protecting resident kororā/little penguins
In September 2024 we commissioned a survey of little penguins in this area. The investigation detected kororā activity at 10 locations, with birds present in 4 places, and confirmed breeding (adults on eggs) in 3 spots.
We're working closely with mana whenua and an ecologist who specialises in kororā, to ensure the wildlife are kept safe during the works. As part of this project, concrete tunnels will be installed in multiple locations along the rocks to act as artificial burrows and provide new habitats for kororā.
Contact us
For more information, contact:
Joel De Boer, Parks, Sport and Recreation
Email: Joel.DeBoer@wcc.govt.nz