Plans to transform Whitianga’s waterfront with a new public pier, a dedicated commercial fishing hub, and improved parking have taken a step forward following approval from the Mercury Bay Community Board.
At its meeting on 7 May, the board voted to progress Stage 3 of the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project, which will focus on detailed investigations, specialist assessments, and developing a comprehensive business case. The move follows strong community support for the preferred plans, gathered through public consultation, drop-in sessions, and surveys.
The proposed redevelopment includes:
- A new public pier with a separate hub for commercial fishing activities at the existing wharf,
- Retention of the existing children’s playground and improved public parking,
- Deferral of upgrades to the Robinson Road Boat Ramp and associated overflow parking due to funding limitations.
At the meeting, council staff recommended separating the originally linked Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the project to allow for greater oversight and risk management. The board supported the change, agreeing that Stage 4—which includes resource consent applications and detailed design and construction documentation—will now be subject to a future decision.
This revised approach allows the board to assess the outcomes of Stage 3 before committing to further progress.
Project supporters argue that redeveloping the Esplanade is essential to accommodating Whitianga’s future growth and resolving longstanding safety and access issues faced by multiple user groups sharing the current space.
While the board’s decision does not yet commit to construction, it does pave the way for progress. A final decision on Stage 5—construction—is expected to be made during the development of the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan, at which time the community will again have the opportunity to provide feedback.
Though not part of the current stage, funding projections suggest an estimated budget of $13.5 million may be required to complete the project, slightly higher than the $12.5 million currently allocated for 2027–2030. A total cost estimate of $16.5 million, which includes a 25 per cent contingency and previous wharf and pontoon upgrades, was noted in the project report but was not presented for approval at the meeting.
Full details, including concept plans and consultation feedback, are available at: tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangaesplanade
