Work on these wharves was necessary to ensure that the existing commercial fishery and recreational activities could continue while the main Akaroa Wharf undergoes maintenance and upgrades.
Planz Consultants played a critical role in securing the necessary resource consents for the redevelopment of Drummonds and Dalys Wharves. The project was crucial to maintaining Akaroa Harbour’s maritime operations while ensuring environmental protections for the sensitive Coastal Marine Area (CMA).
Planning Strategy & Resource Consenting
Here at Planz, we led the consenting strategy under both the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, working closely with Christchurch City Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ōnuku Rūnanga to ensure the project aligned with environmental and cultural values.
Key planning considerations included:
- Non-Complying Activity Status: Due to the project’s location in a Coastal Environment, the wharf redevelopment required careful planning to meet Regional and District Plan provisions while managing resource consenting efficiently.
- Heritage & Environmental Considerations: Dalys Wharf, originally built in the 1860s and later rebuilt in 1913, is a protected heritage structure, requiring a different approach.
- Marine & Coastal Area Protections: The project underwent stringent assessments to safeguard the endangered Hector’s dolphin (upokohue), during piling and construction works to ensure minimal and acceptable disruption to the marine ecosystem.
- Engagement with Iwi & Stakeholders: The consenting process was undertaken with ongoing engagement from Ōnuku Rūnanga and Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd, incorporating cultural values into the project’s design and implementation.
Project Outcomes
- Drummonds Wharf was extended by 108m to provide essential access for commercial and recreational vessels.
- Dalys Wharf underwent necessary repairs and strengthening, ensuring its continued use during the main wharf replacement.
- A comprehensive package of conditions was implemented to mitigate environmental impacts, including marine monitoring and construction management plans that aligned with the resource consenting requirements.
- The project was delivered on time and on budget through efficient planning and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
With Drummonds and Dalys Wharves successfully upgraded, Planz Consultants is now focusing on securing the required resource consents for the main Akaroa Wharf replacement, scheduled to open in 2027.
