Whakatāne District Council advises that the urgent dredging work that commenced in three locations in the Whakatāne Harbour this week will continue between 4 and 6 October, due to depth restrictions at low tide limiting progress. Work sites are the upper navigation channel and the harbour entrance. The daily work period will commence from high tide and stop when shallow operating conditions are encountered, but no later than 7 pm.

A 50-metre clearance requirement applies when the digger on the barge is operating, and vessel operators are required to give way to the tug and barge. Works are in accordance with a Bay of Plenty Regional Council resource consent.