In the latter parts of this year Auckland Council completed the renewal of the historic wharf at Panmure. The existing structure had deteriorated to such an extent that parts were no longer safe for public use.
The works provided an opportunity to improve more than what was required to ensure public safety, so Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board allocated funding to enhance the structure and produce something that would become a recreation asset.
The completed renewal work bought the size of the wharf to that of the structure pre-2015, as well as providing better access to the water and an attractive addition to the area.
Among the improvements was the creation of beach seats made from recycled timber from the wharf, a ladder for swimmers and small boat users to access the wharf from the water, a new life ring and a bait board.
“This wharf was already a popular place to visit for locals, especially those who enjoyed fishing off it. We are sure that the wait for the works to be completed has been worth it,” says Chris Makoare Chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board
Local Board member Alan Verrall grew up in the area and says, "It’s pleasing to see youngsters fishing and swimming and jumping off the wharf, in much the same manner as my generation did when we were young.”
There has been a structure in the Panmure Basin area since the late 1840s. By the turn of the century, the jetty had to be upgraded to a more substantial wharf structure due to water traffic as the site was used by scows and barges bringing materials for the Otahuhu fertilizer works and cattle for the freezing works.
The wharf was acquired by the council when it was purchased by the Mt Wellington Borough Council in 1968.
