Early completion of temporary Ōpua slip repairs

Work to repair a slip on Ōpua’s Franklin Street has been completed more than a week ahead of schedule, allowing the ferry lane and footpath to reopen to the public as the busy summer season gets underway.

The first phase of the project began on 19 November and focused on drainage improvements, temporary piling, and restoring safe access around the ferry lane for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The work, carried out by Far North District Council contractors and funded through NZTA Waka Kotahi, was to prepare the area for the holiday period when visitor numbers increase, particularly around the ferry entrance.

The next phase of work is scheduled to resume in March 2026 when traffic volumes are lower to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.

Project Manager Paul Riley from Stellar Projects says the early completion of the first phase is a positive outcome for the tourist hotspot.

“Our priority has been community safety and ensuring the ferry approach could operate efficiently over the summer,” he says. “Contractors, Steve Bowling Contracting Ltd, have worked quickly and carefully to deliver this phase earlier than planned and we’re pleased to reopen the ferry lane and pedestrian access nine days ahead of schedule.”

The Franklin Street slip resulted from a number of severe weather events in 2023 and is one of more than 90 sites in the district that have needed work. Due to the high number of slips, repairs have been prioritised based on severity and complexity. As a result, some repairs have been prioritised for urgent attention, while others have been deferred and monitored for further changes.