Explore our Case Studies

The Te Awanga coastal community experienced significant flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle and other storm events, threatening private properties and the lagoon – critical infrastructure for Hastings District Council’s stormwater and three waters systems. The project aimed to protect this lagoon and private properties while maintaining public access and environmental integrity throughout the build.

Facing relentless erosion and storm damage along South Wairarapa’s exposed southern coastline, the South Wairarapa District Council needed a long-term solution to protect Cape Palliser Road – a vital link for local farming and fishing communities.

The underslip site on State Highway 50 is located within the steeply incised Glencoe Gorge, where the road traverses a gully with persistent groundwater seepage and a stream (Glencoe Stream) running below. The road has a ~6% longitudinal grade and is flanked by a 10 m high upslope cutting and a downslope embankment approximately 10 m above the stream.

Since being installed in early 2022, the EcoReef^® structure has served as a critical early test of the system’s ability to withstand coastal erosion and dynamic environmental forces without the benefit of ongoing maintenance.

The trial site provided key insights into long-term structural performance and informed the subsequent design enhancements adopted in newer installations.

In Ākitio, the Tararua District Council faced persistent erosion and infrastructure damage to the community’s primary access road, particularly after a major slip in 2021 and further degradation during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

A collaborative effort between HEX-LOC^®, Lattey Group, and the Tararua Alliance led to the implementation of a hybrid HEX-LOC^® retaining wall system to restore and protect the critical roading infrastructure.