Onekaka Wharf
Artificial Reef

As part of Mohua Marine Trusts effort to restore and enhance the marine life of Golden Bay our First Project is to create a thriving Artificial Reef near the remnants of the Onekaka Wharf.

The Reef is being created using Reef Ball technology which has been used throughout the world with proven success - helping to create millions of tonnes of marine biota.

Why Golden Bay?

Locals and Visitors alike know that Golden Bay is a special place. Blessed with stunning natural features and an enviable climate. But a look beyond the beautiful beaches and apparent pristine condition lays a more ominous story. Seabed degradation, sediment and ecosystems and species near collapse.

We want to restore the oceans to where they belong - teeming with life, abundant coral reefs and kelp beds and the return of native species of fish and invertebrates.

Why Onekaka Wharf?

MMT Trustee and founding Member John Davis is an avid diver and after a few dives around the remnants of the historic Onekaka Wharf pilings - he observed signs of colonisation and marine biota living above the sediment line.

What are Reefballs?

Reefballs have been chosen as the technology to construct the artificial Reef at Onekaka Wharf . This video explains exactly what they are and how they have been successfully deployed throughout the world.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Plan:

PHASE 1
Initiation & Consents

Concept Initiated
Onekaka Wharf Identified
Onekaka Seabad Sampling
Consulation with Marine Biologist DR Emilee Benjamin and MKM
Reefball decision and Mould Acquisition thanks to Grace Ormond
Project Fundraising
Prototype Reefball Created
Consent Application created and Submitted to TDC

STATUS:

COMPLETED 2025

PHASE 2
Pilot Program

Consent Granted from TDC - Largest consent given
Pilot Program Fundraising
20 Reefballs cast at Sollys Yard
20 Reefballs moved to Port Tarakohe by Sandford
20 Reefballs Deployed by Clearwater Resolution to seabed near Onekaka Wharf remnants
Initial Monitoring Dives showing Early colonisation

STATUS:

COMPLETED MARCH 2026

PHASE 3
Full Reef Deployment

Raise Funding for the creation and Deployment of 400 Reefballs

Engage Partner to Cast 400 Reefballs

Deploy 400 Reefballs to Seabed in Clusters as approved in Consent

Ongoing monitoring and Creation of Snorkel Trail for public and education sector

STATUS:

AIMING TO COMPLETE

BY LATE 2027

Throughout each Phase of the Project there is regular monitoring and reporting through dives and use of underwater Drone.

ONGOING MONITORING

FUNDING STAGE 1 - COMPLETE

FUNDING STAGE 2 - COMPLETE

FUNDING STAGE 3 - IN PROGRESS

Raise funds and Support to develop project plan, create protoype and Consent Application

GRANT APPLICATIONS
DONATIONS
SERVICES OFFERED

Raise funds and Support to cast 20 Reefballs, store, ship and Deploy to Consented Site near Onekaka.

GRANT APPLICATIONS
DONATIONS
SERVICES OFFERED

Raise funds and Support to cast 400 Reefballs, store, ship and Deploy to Consented Site near Onekaka.

BUY A REEFBALL
GRANT APPLICATIONS
NAMED SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY

Thanks to the Following Supporters and Sponsors who share our vision of a restored and enhanced Golden Bay and have helped us complete the first two phases of this Project:

GET INVOLVED