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Last updated
Project status Planning

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Project details
Overview
Latest updates
Timeline

Project details

Start date

March 2026

End date

2027 or 2028

Location

Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit, Warkworth

Transport involved

Ferry

Overview

Recent inspections at Sandspit Wharf found deterioration in several under-wharf areas such as piles and braces. We're now planning works to repair the wharf. 

To help keep people safe and protect the structure, we've put temporary vehicle restrictions in place while we finalise the repair plan. Pedestrians can still access the wharf, and ferry services are still operating.

Repair work is currently expected to begin in March or April 2027. The exact date will depend on final scope and material availability. Some of the materials are proving difficult to source with long lead times, so these works may need to be completed in multiple stages.

What you need to know

  • Repair work is currently expected to begin in March or April 2027.
  • The aim of the work is to keep the wharf safe and operational for the community.
  • We will provide updates before work begins and during construction if anything changes.

What happens next

  • We will contact residents and businesses before any work begins.
  • Any updates to the plan will be posted on our website.
  • We understand this may cause some inconvenience, and we'll try to minimise disruption while prioritising safety.

How to contact us

If you'd like to speak to someone about our plans, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz with the subject line 'Sandspit Wharf repairs' and we will respond to your email.

Latest updates

Temporary restrictions are in place to help keep people safe and protect the wharf while repairs are planned.

We know the wharf is an important part of daily life for the community and we appreciate your patience while we work through the required approvals and planning.

We were aiming to start work over winter, but it has been confirmed that we do need to apply for resource consent for the wharf head rebuild.

This is because the wharf is in an area with special planning rules, known as overlays, which means Auckland Council needs to assess and approve the work before it can begin.

As a result, repair work is now likely to start around March or April 2027. 

This extra time also allows us to source the materials needed to keep the stairs the same width, in response to community feedback.

In the meantime, temporary vehicle restrictions will remain at the wharf head. Pedestrian access continues and ferry services are still operating.

We will continue to monitor the structure regularly until the repairs can take place. We will share another update once dates are confirmed and more details are available.

We sought community feedback on the proposed stair design in June 2026.

Based on the feedback received, we will not proceed with narrowing the stairs. Instead, we'll source materials for a like-for-like replacement.

A design will be shared with the public next year before repair work takes place.

Some maintenance and renewal works were completed in 2022.

These works consisted of: 

  • replacing four sets of stairs
  • installing two new sets of piles and bearers
  • replacing some braces
  • adding additional joist support
  • grouting some piles. 

The piles were grouted to extend their lifespan, while others were in better condition.

These piles have deteriorated more quickly than expected, especially in the past 18 months since the last detailed condition assessment. The piles can no longer be grouted, and numerous elements are now at end of life and require replacement.

The design and project approach is currently looking at fully rebuilding the worse wing on the wharf head as well as a number of surrounding components.

This should remove the need to have to go back to the wharf in the next 2-5 years and replace more items that are currently in moderate condition.

Timeline

Repair works

Upcoming
March or April 2027

Repair works are expected to begin in March or April 2027 and may be carried out in stages, depending on material availability. 

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