Work has commenced on the extension of the innovative Eco-Reef system at Whatarangi on Cape Palliser Road, as part of a wider programme to strengthen coastal resilience along this vulnerable stretch of coastline.
A portion of the road has been reduced to one lane since May 2025, when heavy swells damaged the northern section. The Whatarangi project will extend the existing structure by 96 metres, including 75 metres along the northern section and 21 metres along the southern section.
Construction is being undertaken by Fulton Hogan and is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.
Mayor Fran Wilde says the work is a significant step forward in protecting a vital connection for South Wairarapa communities.
“This section of Cape Palliser Road is absolutely critical for residents, businesses and visitors.
Strengthening it against ongoing coastal erosion and extreme weather is a priority for Council,” she said.
Cape Palliser Road is an important transport link, providing the only formed access to Ngawi and surrounding communities, as well as supporting the many visitors who travel to the attractions of Cape Palliser. Coastal erosion and increasingly severe weather events continue to place pressure on the infrastructure, leading to closures and costly repairs in recent years.
The Eco-Reef system is an innovative, world-first solution designed to address these challenges. It consists of interlocking hexagonal modules filled with aggregate, forming a robust and adaptable structure that replaces traditional rock armouring, which can be prone to displacement during storms.
Mayor Wilde says the Eco-Reef approach reflects a smarter, more sustainable way of managing the coastline – and has the added benefit of being able to be produced in Wairarapa.
“This is an innovative solution that not only helps protect the road but also works with the natural environment. It’s about building resilience for the long term,” she said.
The design is expected to encourage colonisation by marine life, enhance biodiversity and reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, while minimising impacts on the surrounding coastline.
The Whatarangi extension is the first of four planned sites in a broader programme of works that will see Eco-Reef structures extended or installed at locations along the Cape Palliser coastline, including Turners Bay, the Pinnacles and Te Kopi.
