Locals frustrated over lack of progress on cyclone-damaged boardwalk

An Auckland coastal boardwalk has been closed for over a year after being damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, leaving some locals concerned about safety and frustrated with the lack of restoration progress.

“I think it’s pretty poor that Auckland Council hasn’t done anything to repair the boardwalk,” says local resident Jacob Lane, who lives near the Onehunga end of the Waikōwhai walkway.

He says that not only did the boardwalk link Onehunga and Waikōwhai, but it was also a popular spot for walkers because of its views out into the Manukau Harbour.

“The council needs to do Aucklanders right… by fixing that boardwalk and bringing it up to a safe standard.”

Slips have caused extensive structural damage all along the boardwalk. Photo: Ben McQueen

Lane is also concerned that there aren’t adequate safety measures put in place to limit public access to the damaged boardwalk.

“Half of it isn’t even closed off safely, so you can still access that part of the boardwalk.

“The fact that there’s a damaged structure, unsupported, in an area where people can drown – I think that’s extremely dangerous.”

This temporary fencing isn’t doing much to stop entry onto this unstable boardwalk. Photo: Ben McQueen

The Waikōwhai boardwalk is part of a larger network of walkways and tracks along the Manukau foreshore, many of which were severely damaged in the cyclone, and have been closed since.

Samuel Nan is a resident of Blockhouse Bay and is disappointed at the loss of these tracks and boardwalks, which he says were an asset to the local community.

“It’s all in native bush, it’s all along the sea, as well as it’s close to an urban area – so it’s a really good spot for people seeking relaxation and a good walk away from urban life.”

Nan shares some of the same worries over the hazard that these slips pose to the public.

“People have sort of carved their own steps into the slip, which is still made out of clay, and during rain it can become very, very slippery and so it’s still quite unsafe.”

Despite the apparent lack of progress in restoring these walkways, he still understands that any repair work is going to be a logistical challenge.

“The slip has really changed the topography of the track and so with some parts it’s just unrealistic to expect a repair.”

Area Operations Manager of the Albert-Eden/Puketāpapa Local Board Jody Morley said in a statement to Te Waha Nui that the long-term closure of the walkways along the Manukau foreshore has been due to “the health and safety risk to staff and contractors.”

“Following the January 2023 flooding event, Auckland Council resources have been limited and have been directed to areas of greatest need within Auckland,” she said.

According to Morley, the Waikōwhai boardwalk is a priority, and repairs are expected to commence midway through next year.

WATCH: Te Waha Nui Reporter Ben McQueen takes a closer look at the damaged Waikōwhai boardwalk.