North Mole restoration
Project programme update – September 2026
Work on the North Mole restoration was originally expected to begin in August, but the programme has been adjusted following the discovery of native skinks within the project area.
Native skinks classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical have previously been sighted in the wider North Mole area, while a recent habitat assessment found native northern grass skinks within vegetated areas of the project site. Further surveys are underway to better understand which species are present and where they are living.
The shared pathway alongside the awa will now be built first, as no potential skink habitat was identified within the proposed pathway works area. Construction is expected to begin by November, subject to Department of Conservation approvals.
The new car park is expected to follow towards the end of summer, with dune restoration and planting planned for autumn and winter 2027.
Why hasn't construction started yet?
Construction was originally expected to begin in August 2026, with the new car park planned as the first major piece of work.
The programme has been adjusted after native skinks were found within vegetated areas of the project site. We need more time to understand which species are present, where they are living and how they and their habitat need to be managed before work takes place in those areas.
What skinks have been found?
Native skinks classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical have previously been sighted in the wider North Mole area.
A recent habitat assessment also found native northern grass skinks within vegetated areas of the project site. Further surveys will help confirm which species are present and where they are living.
What happens if threatened skinks are found within the project site?
The survey results will guide how the skinks and their habitat are managed. If relocation is required, this will be carefully planned and carried out in line with Department of Conservation requirements.
Caring for native species is an important part of the kaupapa of the restoration and our responsibility to the wider North Mole environment.
Does this mean the whole project is on hold?
No. We've changed the order of the work so parts of the project can continue while the ecological work and necessary approvals are completed.
The shared pathway will now be the first major piece of construction.
Why can the shared pathway go ahead?
The proposed pathway largely follows an existing gravel path. No potential skink habitat was identified within the proposed pathway works area.
This means we can progress the pathway first, subject to the necessary Department of Conservation approvals.
When will work on the shared pathway begin and where will it go?
We are aiming to begin construction by November, subject to Department of Conservation approvals and the construction programme being finalised.
We'll share confirmed dates and information about any impacts on access before work begins.
The pathway will run alongside the awa and largely follow the existing gravel path through the North Mole area.
Once complete, it will add another section to the Mountains to Sea shared pathway and improve the connection through the area for people walking and cycling.
When will the new car park be built?
Under the current programme, the new car park is expected to follow towards the end of summer. Dune restoration and planting are then planned for autumn and winter 2027.
These timings may change as ecological monitoring and approvals progress.
The North Mole restoration is a community-led, hapū-supported, and council-delivered project that reflects our shared responsibility to the awa. It builds on previous work at the North Mole under the Te Pūwaha project, along with Nga Ringaringa Waewae and Progress Castlecliff, and forms part of our long-term coastal restoration programme.
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This project balances infrastructure needs with the ecological and cultural values that make this area significant to our community. Guided by Te Awa Tupua values, the restoration aims to strengthen environmental resilience, improve public safety and recreation opportunities and deepen our community’s connection to the river and coastline.
Watch our video from our North Mole Community Day to learn more.
What this project will deliver
The North Mole restoration project will deliver an enhanced public space for our community - a place we expect will be valued, respected, and well-used for years to come.
Key improvements include:
- New public toilets and showers
- A new sealed carparking area near the existing carparking area
- Signage
- Picnic tables
- Shared pathway along the shoreline
- Additional native planting to help stabilise the dune system and protect the coastline.
Earlier concept designs included several bespoke features, but these have been refined to ensure the project remains sustainable and aligned with the core needs of the space. The final design focuses on practical, durable infrastructure that supports both community use and environmental wellbeing.
Pou at the North Mole
As part of the North Mole restoration, three carved pou will be installed near the mouth of the Whanganui River, where the awa meets the moana.
The pou are intended as a permanent cultural marker for this significant place. Their design reflect Te Awa Tupua as a living and indivisible whole, flowing from the mountains to the sea, and recognise the whakapapa, stories and enduring connections between people, the awa and the wider landscape. They will also acknowledge Te Kaihau a Kupe and the ancestral pathways and histories associated with this place.
The pou are being developed with the guidance and support of Hapū at place and are being carved at Ngā Pūna Waihanga, the carving space at Te Ao Hou Marae. The marae-based approach allows the work to be grounded in tikanga, wānanga and the sharing of carving knowledge between experienced and emerging kaiwhakairo.
Once the carving is complete, the pou will be transported to the North Mole and installed as part of the revitalised public space. Interpretation alongside it will help share its meaning and the stories it carries with the wider community.
Funding for the carved pou has come from Te Whawhaki, Te Kāhui o Rauru, the Community Arts Fund and Progress Castlecliff.
Concept image - May 2026
Please note: Concept images are artist impressions only and the final design may vary.
Funding for the project is provided by Whanganui District Council and central government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund obtained by Progress Castlecliff with hapū support.
Working in a Te Awa Tupua way
Te Awa Tupua principles guide every stage of the restoration. This means working in a way that upholds the mana and mauri of the Whanganui River and its surrounding environment.
The project includes actions to:
- Restore natural dune systems
- Improve habitats for native species
- Use locally sourced native plants to support long-term ecological health
These steps reflect our commitment to protecting and enhancing this unique coastal landscape.
Want to find out more
Follow project progress on our Facebook page for regular updates.
Current North Mole carpark area