The brand-new Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island is now open, giving locals and visitors a safer, easier way to travel between the island and the mainland.
About 60 people came together for the opening, including local iwi and hapū, Western Bay of Plenty District Council members and staff, project partners from Tonkin + Taylor, HEB Construction, and Structure Design.
A highlight of the day was a visit from ‘Miss Ada’, the school ferry that many tamariki rely on.
The wharf is the result of years of planning, consultation, and collaboration between Council, iwi, hapū, and project partners. Together, they’ve created a strong, lasting structure designed to serve the island community for decades to come.
The opening was marked with a blessing from kaumātua Bob Rolleston and waiata performed by local tamariki. Afterward, guests were invited to stroll along the new wharf and pontoon, enjoying the moment and the view.
Made mostly from steel and aluminium, the $2.1 million wharf replaces the old timber structure from the 1980s, which had been weakened by marine worms. The new design is stronger, safer, and ready to serve the community for many years.
The new Panepane Wharf on Matakana Island on its opening day.
Visitors can reach the wharf via a pontoon and gangway, or by stairs. The pontoon offers the most accessible option, while the stairs give boats flexibility to dock at different spots depending on the tide.
Timber from the old wharf won’t go to waste. Some of it will be reused in new features like seats and picnic tables planned for the foreshore reserve, blending history into the future.
Council worked closely with local iwi and hapū to make sure the wharf reflects cultural values and community needs.
The five hapū connected to Matakana Island – Ngai Tuwhiwhia, Ngati Tauaiti, Te Ngare, Te Whānau a Tauwhao, and Ngai Tamawhariua – are all part of Ngai te Rangi Iwi.
Nessie Kuka, of Ngai Tuwhiwhia, says it is exciting to see the wharf finished.
“It will make a real difference for everyone who lives here, especially for our tamariki getting to school on the mainland,” she says.
“It’s wonderful to see the wharf already being used and enjoyed.”
James Denyer
Western Bay mayor James Denyer calls the wharf an important community asset.
“The new wharf provides a safer, more reliable way for people to get to and from the island,” he says.
“It’s great to see a project like this come to life after years of planning and working closely with the community. It will make daily life easier and more connected for residents.”
Back in October 2021, council agreed to transfer 172 hectares of land known as Panepane Pūrakau to a local hapū Trust.
As part of the agreement, a 13-hectare public reserve will be created to guarantee public access to the foreshore forever. This means people can continue to fish off the wharf, walk the beach, and enjoy recreational activities like water-skiing.
Council Reserves and Facilities manager Peter Watson says while the public can access the wharf and foreshore, people are encouraged to respect the whenua (land) and nearby forest.
“There are commercial forestry operations nearby so please stick to the harbour margins and don’t wander along the road or into other parts of the forest,” he says.
“We would also like to remind people visiting the area that lighting fires is strictly prohibited. We don’t want a repeat of the fire that occurred on the island two years ago.”
A wharepaku (toilet) has been built next to the wharf for public use. New signage is also planned to guide visitors on how to enjoy the area safely and respectfully.
