Hundreds of protesters gathered today in Lower Hutt to take part in a march to save Petone Wharf.
The wharf, built in 1909, was damaged in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. It was repaired and reopened in 2017.
It later suffered earthquake damage in 2021 which compromised the structure, causing the 393m long wharf to remain closed ever since.
Lower Hutt City Council proposed to not fund a rebuild of the wharf in its draft long-term plan, saying it was in "poor condition" and is "vulnerable to storms and seismic damage".
Mayor Campbell Barry said the council was "working hard to strike that balance between affordability for ratepayers and not kicking the can down the road on vital infrastructure.
Petone Wharf was built in 1909 but suffered earthquake damage in 2016 and 2021. (Source: 1News)
"We will closely consider all of the submissions on Petone Wharf."
Save Petone Wharf organiser John Roper said the costing he received was $6m to repair the wharf and bring it back to standard.
It's been closed since 2021 due to earthquake damage and now the council's looking at demolishing it.
"It's the second longest timber wharf in New Zealand, it's been in existence for well in excess of 100 years."
Sea creatures continue to damage the wharf, with the hardwood timber piles being significantly weakened by wood-eating shipworms.
Sea creatures continue to damage the wharf, with the hardwood timber piles being significantly weakened by wood-eating shipworms. (Source: 1News)
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop told 1News he had seen evidence it was cheaper to repair the wharf than demolish it.
"I really want to see this wharf saved, it's an icon of Lower Hutt, very important to the Petone and wider Hutt Valley community."
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