Artificial reef washes ashore at Mount Maunganui

Part of an artifical reef washed up on Mount Maunganui beach near Tay St. Photo / Mead Norton

A large amount of artificial reef has washed up on Mount Maunganui beach.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council compliance team leader Trudy Richards said it was notified it had washed ashore on Mount Maunganui Beach, in front of Sutherland Ave beach access.

“Officers have been out to assess the site and its removal is planned for later tonight,” she said.

“The fabric will be disposed at Te Maunga Transfer Station.”

Richards said it was “likely” part of an artificial reef that was built from 2005 to 2008 in Mount Maunganui, given the large size of the geotextile fabric.

“We expect it came loose due to the weather and tidal conditions experienced last week.”

If residents see this material on the shoreline in the future, please report it by calling 0800 884 883.

In a Facebook post, the council advised people to take care of swimming in the area today.

The council advised people to take care if swimming in the area today. Photo / Mead Norton

In August 2000, the Mount Maunganui Reef Trust was granted resource consent to construct a pilot offshore submerged reef, about 250m offshore from the corner of Tay St and Marine Parade.

It was to be part of ongoing research into artificial reef development by the University of Waikato, as well as providing a superior surf break for surfers, but the structure was never fully completed.

The five-year consent term granted lapsed in 2010 and the regional council needed to consider options for its future management.

At the time, the council said the reef - built from 2005 to 2008 with donations from the public and community funding groups - had “never functioned as intended”.

The $1.5 million artificial reef had drawn criticism, with surfers saying it did not provide the intended surf breaks, and surf lifesaving organisations concerned it was creating dangerous rips for swimmers.

In April 2014, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council decided to partially remove the reef at Tay St to remove the risk to swimmers.