Whanganui port upgrade commences

A project to upgrade Whanganui’s commercial port with a focus on “keeping windows of opportunity alive” has been initiated by the Whanganui District Council and local Maori.

Mayor Annette Main says the aim is to make the port more viable for future use through a NZ$2.5m initiative that will include the progressive housing of more onshore-related business and a staged development of the recreational boating area.

Councillor Rob Vinsen said the project is “welcome news” and ends a several-year period were “little progress” was seen at the port.

“There has been a lot happening behind the scenes,” he says.

“Early discussions with Port Taranaki ended when it became clear that a future offshore industry was to be postponed.

“However, strategic decisions on the port’s future and engineering studies of both the river management and a structural upgrade of Wharf 1 have proceeded.

“I am looking forward to progress at our port, including a clean-up of neglected areas and getting on with much needed maintenance.”

All news
7-9 October

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