MMA is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a NZD$6.1M supply and install contract for habitat enhancement in Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington Harbour), Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Image: Artist’s impression of the new reef supporting marine life (supplied by NZ Transport Agency)
Located on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Te Whanganui-a-tara is home to Te Ara Tupua – a significant infrastructure project being delivered by Te Ara Tupua Alliance in partnership with iwi mana whenua Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa. The project will improve transport resilience between Wellington and Lower Hutt while creating a new walking and cycling link. MMA has been awarded a contract to construct an engineered reef in the harbour to enhance the marine habitats within the surrounding region.
The multi-ecosystem reef is specifically designed to attract fish and enhance existing marine habitats, with MMA fabricating and installing 54 Reef Pyramids to create a reef halo area of approximately 5ha.
Alongside MMA’s team of engineers, MMA will also utilise a local labour workforce and local supply chain to fabricate the Reef Pyramids, supporting the economy in the Wellington region. Works are expected to commence in March 2024 and will continue through to May 2024.
Commenting on the contract award, MMA’s Managing Director, Mr David Ross, said:
“With over 35 artificial reef projects across the world installed to date, MMA is delighted to be partnering with the Te Ara Tupua Alliance to provide our specialised habitat enhancement solutions to Wellington Harbour. With strong alignment to MMA’s environmental and sustainability objectives, we look forward to delivering a safe and successful project for our client.”