Tinopai Residents Push for Wharf Replacement Amid Safety Concerns

Residents of Tinopai are urging the Kaipara District Council to collaborate on replacing their vital wharf, which has been closed since late 2023 due to significant structural concerns. This call for action was made during a presentation at the council meeting last week by community members Kristeen Prangley and Louis de Bievre.

The closure of the Tinopai Wharf was prompted by severe structural deterioration, exacerbated by extreme weather events. Following this, the council implemented safety measures, including formal announcements and fencing in January 2024. The wharf remains off-limits to the public as the council plans for major repairs to address safety issues.

Prangley and de Bievre highlighted the wharf’s significance to the local community, describing it as “the core of the Tinopai community.” Located at the end of the 20-kilometer Hukatere Peninsula on the north-eastern side of Kaipara Harbour, the wharf serves as a critical infrastructure point, allowing boats to dock during adverse weather conditions, which often isolate the area.

The community advocates for a new, compliant wharf that would enable safe docking, unloading, and fishing activities. According to Prangley, the median income in Tinopai is approximately 55 percent lower than the national average in New Zealand, making fishing from the wharf a crucial food source for many families.

Several structural issues contributed to the wharf’s closure, including damaged and decaying piles, worm damage, corroded fixtures, and split bearers. The council has indicated that work on the wharf is included in its Long Term Plan (2024/2027).

The residents have developed a business plan and are organizing community support to assist with materials, labor, and equipment for the project. Prangley expressed the desire for the council to partner with the community, stating, “We want the council to work with the community.” They are also in the process of establishing a community trust to facilitate grant applications and have formed partnerships with local marae and organizations for additional support.

Tinopai has a small, permanent population of around 240 to 300 residents, which increases to approximately 2,500 during the summer holiday season due to tourism and holiday homes. The wharf has a rich history, with its most recent iteration opening in 1991. The original wharf was built around 1917 to support the export of fruit, particularly from large apple orchards in the region.

As the community rallies for support, the future of the Tinopai Wharf remains a pivotal issue, not only for local residents but also for the broader economic and cultural landscape of the area.