In response to the massive support and action from people everywhere, Hutt City Council has changed its mind about Petone Wharf and there is now a good chance that the whole of the wharf can be repaired and reopened for public use. Earlier this week Hutt City Council voted to endorse the decision it made earlier at its 17 May meeting to fund repairs to the wharf over the next 3 financial years. This means $12 million for the wharf in total -  $500,000 budgeted in the 2024/45 financial year, then $6M in the 2025/26 year and $5.5M in the 2026/27 year. This should all be finalised when the final Long Term Plan is agreed on 27 June. (Thanks for this wonderful uplifting photo, Philip Windley).

The first stage is to engage an advisor to map out the best way forward. This will include looking at the various options that have been put forward over the past few years, and specially over the past 6 months. This may have to include options which may result in demolition of some parts of the wharf.  We know that the whole of the wharf can be retained and repaired well within the whole budget. The additional $$$s above $6M that was the subject of the petition will provide for additional work (which could have been spread out over a much longer period) and possibly the return and reinstatement of some of the heritage features of the Wharf. We will be keeping a close eye on the Council's actions and decision-making to make sure that the community and ratepayers in the City get the absolutely best value for money.

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, both on-line and the hard copy. There were well over 6,800 of you all up. Also, thank you to all the people who made written submissions on the Long Term Plan, and the people who turned up and made their submissions in person. Also to the many individuals and businesses who provided  such great support to the cause over the last 6 months.

We will not be going away, as the Wharf does need a support group. Keep an eye on our SavePetone Wharf 2024 fb page - https://www.facebook.com/SavePetoneWharf2024/ - for updates on progress. Thank you all once again :-)