Decision on future use of Te Tumu Cut groyne

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has decided to erect barriers and make other required modifications to the Te Tumu Cut groyne structure, at Maketū, to make it suitable for recreational use – particularly for the anglers already using it.

The Council’s decision follows an investigation into use of the Te Tumu Cut groyne structure. Part of that investigation was a report which outlined several options for future use of the groyne ranging from full closure to making the structure suitable for recreation.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Raewyn Bennett said that council had considered the options put forward and decided to proceed with making the structure suitable for recreation.

“The groyne was constructed many years ago, at the outlet of the Kaituna River, to prevent the location of the river outlet changing position and was never intended as a recreational area,” Councillor Bennett said. Councillor Bennett represents Council’s Mauāo constituency and is also a Maketū resident.

“While Council will be changing the groyne into a recreational area,” Councillor Bennett said, “it was not a large space and people who wished to use it would need to be considerate of sharing this space.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environmental Hazards Group Manager Ken Tarboton said that a number of details still needed to be worked through to make the structure suitable for recreation.

“While we still have to finalise what work needs to be done and the best way of getting this done in the quickest possible time, we do expect work to start in the next couple of months and hope that it won’t take long to finish it, Mr Tarboton said.

“The structure would remain closed until the works have been completed and we will continue to monitor the site during this period.

“We have taken the action of closing the site and now undertaking the work to make it suitable for recreational use with the best interest of the public in mind.

“We hope that people will respect the closure and give us the time required to complete the works,” Mr Tarboton said.

Signs and a barrier remain in place at the groyne to close the site and to inform the public.