Members of the Hawke’s Bay branch of Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau recently took part in a field trip to the Te Awanga EcoReef® Coastal Protection site, hosted by Lattey Group Ltd. The visit offered a close-up look at a pioneering approach to coastal protection that’s gaining attention for its sustainability and resilience.
The Te Awanga site is the first in Hawke’s Bay to feature EcoReef® technology in a coastal setting, with more installations planned. Already known for its robust interlocking strength, the system demonstrated to the Engineers how quickly and efficiently it can be installed – making it a practical solution for coastal protection projects.
- Fred Waiker, inventor of the EcoReef® system, shared the design principles and technical journey behind the innovation.
- Graeme Hansen from Hastings District Council – Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga – spoke about the collaborative efforts between council, community, and inventor that helped bring the project to life.
The group also explored the construction process and discussed future applications of EcoReef®, including its potential for inland erosion control.
EcoReef® has already proven its durability in high-energy coastal environments such as Cape Palliser, where it withstood recent severe storms that damaged traditional riprap structures. Its performance and sustainable design make it a promising alternative for erosion management across Aotearoa.
Manufactured at Lattey Group’s Hastings facility and installed by their Civil Construction team, the Te Awanga project is a strong example of locally driven engineering solutions tailored to regional challenges.
Beyond the technical insights, the field trip provided a valuable opportunity for professional networking and knowledge sharing. Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau and Lattey Group Ltd are acknowledged for organising an engaging and informative event that showcased the real-world impact of innovative engineering.