Enhancing marine life

Installation of the concrete pyramids to form an artificial reef in Wellington Harbour is attracting a lot of public interest as the unusual structures are transported to site on two of BPC’s jack-up barges, Manahau and Kaupapa.

Before leaving the satellite precast yard established for the project, the 4m x 4m x 5m concrete structures were blessed by mana whenua in a dawn ceremony. Top teamwork saw the 56 structures cast two weeks ahead of schedule.

Designed by Australian firm MMA, the pyramids are engineered to attract fish and enhance the marine habitats in the surrounding region.

The reef enhancement is part of consent conditions imposed on NZTA Waka Kotahi's project Te Ara Tupua, which is being constructed by Te Ara Tupua Alliance.

The project, to be completed in 2026, will improve transport resilience between Wellington city and Lower Hutt while creating a new walking and cycling link.