Action to be Taken on Kawaroa Cliff Erosion

Work will be undertaken to manage an eroding section of cliff at Kawaroa.

Overhanging plants and soil will be removed along a 50m section to reduce the danger of collapse, and the cliff-face will be covered in a geo-textile mat to encourage grass growth and protect it from weathering. Some rocks will also be placed along the cliff’s base to protect it from being scooped out by the waves.

A later step will involve placing a larger number of stones and rocks along the base for long-term protection.

The top of this cliff is very close to the Coastal Walkway, beyond which is the railway line.

“Taking action now to stop erosion on this section will help us avoid having to do more expensive remedial work at a later stage,” says Manager Parks Mark Bruhn.

This section of the foreshore has had rock wall protection in the past, but it has largely collapsed. The cliff is at greater risk of failure than other sites along the coastline due to the shape of the coast and a gut in the reef which concentrates wave action in this area.

The cost of the first stage of work can be met from existing budgets. The second stage is scheduled to take place within the next three years, and will be included for consideration in the 2015-2025 Draft Long-Term Plan.