Executive Summary:
This report is one of a number being prepared for West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) to aid the decision-making processes associated with ongoing erosion problems at a number of locations in the region. The advice provided in this report focuses on Rapahoe village. It relates to long-term coastal erosion associated with the ongoing retreat of the gravel barrier fronting the village. Landward migration of the barrier has previously resulted in the loss of Beach Road north of Statham Street, and now threatens the camp and caravan site and the Forbes House at the northern end of the village.
The purpose of this scoping study was to review the previous option assessments, ongoing coast defence works, and provide a present day basis for further discussions of short- to long-term coastal hazard management and adaptation options for consideration by the Rapahoe community. As such no conclusions or recommendations are made. The potential management pathways will require further discussions with the Rapahoe community and further considerations such as potential costing of the options to be carried out, before an appropriate response to managing and / or adapting to the erosion issues at Rapahoe can be developed further.
Click here to download NIWA's Rapahoe Final Report (PDF, 2.66MB)