This month, we began work along Takapuna’s foreshore to prevent potential damage to a trunk sewer after erosion threatened to destabilise it.

The work between Brett Ave and O’Neill’s Ave involves securing rocks that were formed 200,000 years ago when trees were fossilized after the Pupuke volcano erupted.

Over time these rock formations have been eroded and loosened by the sea, threatening the landmark fossil forest reef and the sewer that runs along the shoreline.

North Shore City Council’s wastewater network projects manager, Dave Woods, says the repairs will blend with the coastline and surrounding landscape, and will help preserve the ancient fossil forest as well as prolonging the life of the sewer.

“Filling in the cavities created by wave erosion and securing the rocks will ensure the fossil forest is protected and reduce the risk of pollution from a damaged sewer,” says Mr Woods.

Above: Council’s wastewater project engineer, Lalith Fernando, inspects Takapuna’s rocky foreshore.