Stage two of Mangōnui waterfront improvement to start

Published on 17 May 2023

The transformation of Mangōnui waterfront in Doubtless Bay will soon begin its second phase after funding was approved by the council during its Thursday 4 May meeting.

The next stage includes creating additional parking at the wharf area and renewing jetty facilities at Mill Bay just north of the town. Both developments in this phase are expected to be completed by early 2024.

One focus of the second phase will be improving traffic safety around the wharf area in the town centre. Space is often at a premium on this narrow stretch of Waterfront Road, with trucks occupying carparks or performing tight manoeuvres around pedestrians. A new concrete deck will be constructed in the area between the wharf and the existing parking area north of the wharf to provide up to seven large vehicle parks.

This will take large vehicle parking off the main road, make the wharf area safer for recreational users, and allow tourists buses to deliver visitor groups to the doorstep of local businesses. Campervans and other long vehicles will also be able to use the new larger spaces. This stage of the project has been developed by the Mangōnui Waterfront Development Committee.

Phase two also includes the renewal of jetty facilities at Mill Bay, a boating area approximately 1km north of the town centre. Developments here will include the replacement of the existing jetty, construction of a new pontoon, new lighting, power and water supply, as well as the repair of jetty approaches.

Phase one of the project proved to be a hit with locals when completed in May last year. It included a 364-metre extension of the waterfront boardwalk, construction of a new jetty and pontoon at Thomas Street for better access to water recreational activities, seawall improvements and better access to carparking and rest areas at the southern end of the town. The developments have transformed the town’s connection to the harbour, while improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and boaties.

Main photo - the new jetty on the Mangōnui boardwalk, adjacent to Thomas Street, built during the first stage of the project. 

Below - plans for creating long vehicle parking in the wharf area.

Below - plans for the renewal of jetty facilities at Mill Bay.