Large Rocks to be Removed from Waitara River Mouth

Navigating the Waitara River mouth will soon be a lot safer with the removal of five large rocks.

Explosives will be used to clear away the rocks which pose a hazard to boaties when they are hidden from view just below the water at mid-tide.

“The work will take place at high tide for safety reasons, as the water will suppress the effect of the explosions,” says Manager Parks Mark Bruhn.

“We intend to have the job done before Christmas.”

The work is being undertaken by New Plymouth Underwater, which is experienced in commercial underwater blasting.

Some holes for the explosives have been drilled into the rocks, but NPU is awaiting specialist equipment before completing this first stage.

On the day of the detonations, which will depend on the tides and the weather, road closures will be in place on both sides of the river to keep the public away as a safety precaution.

“If people want to they can watch from riverside spots further up the river, but I doubt there will be anything for them to see,” says Mr Bruhn.