North Mole community day to share restoration vision
Published on 28 May 2026
Come along to a free open day at the North Mole next weekend to learn more about plans to restore and revitalise one of Whanganui’s most popular coastal spaces.
The North Mole Community Day will be held on Sunday 7 June from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the North Mole carpark, with entertainment, a BBQ and updated concept imagery for the area. Hosted by the North Mole steering group, the event is open to everyone and will give people the opportunity to ask questions, meet those involved, and learn more about the long-term vision for the site.
The North Mole restoration is a community-led, hapū-supported and council-delivered project that builds on earlier work undertaken through Te Pūwaha, alongside Nga Ringaringa Waewae and Progress Castlecliff. Funding is being provided through a combination of central government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the Better Off Fund and council investment, with the project set to deliver direct benefits for the community through improved access and environmental restoration.
Hapū advisor and steering group member Seletar Taputoro says the concept has been shaped through years of community feedback, conversations and consultation around the future of the North Mole and lower river environment.
“We can’t have everything, but this concept reflects many of the aspirations people have consistently shared over time, while also being practical, achievable and focused on enhancing the surrounding environment,” she says.
“It is about strengthening the connection between people, place and Te Awa Tupua, while creating a space the community can feel proud of.”
The updated concept imagery, prepared by landscape architects Boffa Miskell, includes a new carparking area set back from the current site and positioned on top of the dunes, with views along the awa and out to sea from a viewing platform. It also includes toilets, an outdoor shower, bike racks, seating, planting, and a pou, with timber sourced from the Whanganui Port incorporated into the design.
While earlier concept discussions included the possibility of a star compass feature, this is not proposed as part of the current design for the site.
The current lower carpark area will remain accessible from the upper carpark and the shared pathway along the awa. Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe says the project is about creating a place the whole community can enjoy for generations to come.
“The North Mole is one of Whanganui’s most well used recreational spaces, and while this project is being largely funded through central government support, it is the Whanganui community that will see the benefits through improved access, environmental restoration and a space people can feel proud of,” he says.
Construction at the site is expected to commence in July this year. The project team is also aware of community concerns around the condition of the Morgan Street access track along the beachfront to the North Mole. Maintenance work has been intentionally delayed while preparations for the revitalisation project are finalised, avoiding unnecessary double handling ahead of construction works.
More information about the project can be found here.
In the event of bad weather, the Duncan Pavilion will be used as a back-up venue.