The isolated project location and lack of available resources on the island, has resulted in months of pre-planning and coordination of logistics, to ensure the required materials and machinery arrived on the island prior to works commencing.

The ramp will be constructed using interlocking concrete blocks, that have been fabricated in Chch and transported to Owenga via ship. These blocks are stacked and require rock anchors to drilled into the bedrock to secure them against the tidal surges. Timber fender piles will also be installed along the edge of the existing wharf, to protect it from being hit by the barge during docking.

Prior to starting excavation/rock breakout along the seabed area, a dive team was used to relocate paua and kina to another area of the island. The island has strong cultural ties with the land, prior to excavation work within the bank a cultural monitor from the Moriori Imi Settlement Trust visited site to review the work area, discuss work involved and advise of discovery protocols. This project is a continuation of a working relationship developed some 15 years ago when Hunter Civil completed our first project on the island on Owenga Wharf.

The remote location, logistics and marine environment, all demonstrate Hunter Civil’s relentless pursuit of undertaking challenging projects.