One of Wellington’s most loved heritage landmarks, Petone Wharf, is now set for a new future after a clear decision from Hutt City Council. The historic 116-year-old wharf, which has been closed since 2021 due to damage from storms and earthquakes, will soon begin a partial restoration. This means a major section will be saved, while the part in the poorest condition will be removed. The goal is to keep the project within the $12 million set aside in the Long Term Plan.
This decision follows months of careful study, public feedback, and expert advice. In May 2024, the Council brought in a trusted structural engineer, Adam Thornton, to look at the condition of the wharf and help guide the best way forward. He was asked to assess three main options: full restoration, partial remediation, or complete demolition. After a detailed cost analysis and review of the structure, the results showed that full restoration would not be possible within the budget. On the other hand, demolition would mean losing a piece of the city’s identity. As a result, the option to partially restore and reopen the wharf became the clear choice.
Community groups have played a strong role in shaping this outcome. The Council shared the report with the Petone Community Board, the Pito One Projects Steering Group, and several community campaigners. Feedback was strongly in favour of saving what could be saved. Residents made it clear that they value the wharf not just for its beauty and history, but also for what it means to local identity. Listening to these voices, the Council has chosen a balanced approach that honours both heritage and financial reality.
Under the chosen plan, the section of the wharf head in the worst condition will be taken down. However, the remaining structure will be made stronger and safer. This will allow people to return and enjoy it, while also reducing ongoing maintenance costs. As a result, Petone Wharf will not just be a memory, but a living part of the community once again.
Now that the Council has confirmed the direction, work is already beginning on the next steps. Council officers have started early talks with the needed regulatory authorities to prepare for the required resource consents. These early conversations are important because they help shape what will be needed to meet both safety and environmental standards. Alongside this, tender documents are being developed. These will be used to get accurate pricing from contractors, so the work can stay on track and within budget.
If everything goes to plan, the restoration work could begin in 2026. While this might seem like a long wait, large projects like this need time to be done properly. The focus is on doing things the right way – both for the safety of the public and the future of the wharf. Until then, the community will continue to be kept informed, with updates expected as each stage moves forward.
This restoration is not just about wood and bolts. It’s about history, pride, and place. For over a century, Petone Wharf has stood as a connection between land and sea, past and present. It has been a place for walks, fishing, and watching the waves. For many, it holds special memories. Now, thanks to the decision to move ahead with partial restoration, it will have the chance to create new ones too.
Wellington’s coastal heritage is one of its great treasures, and restoring Petone Wharf shows that with care, good planning, and strong community support, we can protect these icons. In a time when many towns are losing old structures, Lower Hutt is choosing to hold on – not to everything, but to enough. Enough to keep the spirit alive.
As One Network Wellington Live continues to follow this important story, one thing is clear: Petone Wharf still has a future. It may look a little different, but it will remain a proud part of our region’s history and a place where generations to come can gather by the water.
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