A resource consent has been approved by Greater Wellington Regional Council to allow South Wairarapa District Council to proceed with its plan to extend the EcoReef sites at Cape Palliser.
Launched as a world-first trial in 2022, EcoReef technology has proven to be a successful approach to erosion along the vulnerable stretch of coastal road – reducing damage and the repairs needed that result from swells and severe weather.
Four sites along the rugged South Wairarapa coastline will see new lengths of the ‘reef’ installed, made up of interlocking hexagonal blocks filled with aggregate. These serve as a replacement to the boulders that are frequently washed away.
In the initial trial, the first reef was placed at Whatarangi, and a second reef was installed at Turners Bay. This followed a dramatic rise in severe weather conditions that increased the number of road closures in the area – cutting residents off, and creating expensive damage.
These two reefs will be extended, while new EcoReef structures will be installed at the Pinnacles and Te Kopi. The combined length of the current two EcoReef structures sit at approximately 130 metres. The proposed new walls will have a combined approximate length of 1,250 metres over the four locations, protecting the south coastline.
Work will be progressed systematically in line with Long-Term Plan budgets.
The Council submitted the resource consent application last year following the May 2025 storm event that caused significant damage to roading at Whatarangi, just beyond the trial reef.
South Wairarapa District Councillor and Infrastructure Committee Chair Colin Olds says it is hoped the EcoReef extensions and new structures will act as a strong sea defence to protect Cape Palliser Road.
“This road is enormously important to the local community and wider region for cultural, economic, and social reasons. It is crucial we do what we can to protect the road so residents and visitors can continue accessing and appreciating this significant and spectacular corner of Aotearoa.”
Related documents and articles
Consent documents
Landscape and visual effects assessment
News items
EcoReef trial at Cape Palliser – April 2022
Ecoreef: Enhancing South Wairarapa’s coastal resilience – October 2025