Defence stays

From Page 1

Despite this, Mr Pritchard believes the system will work, and it will be used again, but with 2.4m tall units. Forecasts of adverse weather and wave conditions will trigger its removal.

“We chose it because it’s portable, light weight, and we can get it in with minimal plant. Otherwise we’d have to use bigger and heavier plant and it would be more expensive."

Although not perfect, Mr Pritchard said the system was financially viable. “It is a cost benefit analysis on how we can win more hours in the day.” The cost of the failure was built into the project's contingency.

Eighty percent of the seawall at Windy Point will be completed within the next four weeks, with some Saturday work taking place.

Project Manager Michael Siazon reviewed designs for the Lowry and Sorrento Bay sections of the path were underway and would be consulted on in the following months.

"There will be big changes in the next four weeks - more than in the last four months."

Plans for the five bird sanctuaries to protect wildlife during Tupua Horo Nuku's construction are progressing. The protections in the dunes between Bishop Park and the sea have been controversial, with neighbours complaining about obstruction to beach access, and restrictions on dog walking there.

Bird protection measures were part of consent conditions for the path, Mr Siazon said, and while concerns from the community had been heard, "I hope you understand we are balancing community expectations with ecological requirements."

Measures to protect penguins would also be put in between HW Shortt park and the sea, including replacing the fence, dune planting, and rope fencing.

In Whiorau Reserve in Lowry Bay, the plan for a temporary site for penguin relocation was being reviewed as the path goes right through the middle of the bird protection area.

"We want to encourage good behaviour for people with dogs – not restricting dogs."

Although the resource consent means each section of the path must be completed before construction of the next begins, Mr Siazon said he hopes work on Sunshine Bay will begin soon, depending on the traffic management plan.