Refreshed Tūtūkākā pontoon ready for summer

Published on 19 November 2025

Team members from Robinson Asphalts, Atlas Cranes, Johnson Bros and Heron Construction work on the reinstated pontoon.

The Tūtūkākā community is proud to announce the successful completion of the Tūtūkākā pontoon project – a great example of what can be achieved when local expertise and community spirit come together. 

When the northern side of the popular Tūtūkākā boat ramp became too old to use, it had to be removed, leaving just one side for launching and retrieving boats. 

Over several busy summers, this caused serious congestion, so a plan was hatched for a reinstated northern pontoon. 

The new pontoon was partly funded by Whangarei District Council and project-managed by local groups and contractors. 

Infrastructure Committee Chair Brad Flower says the project shows what collaboration between a passionate community, dedicated business owners and Council can achieve. 

“This is a real win for the community. The new pontoon will make a big difference for locals and visitors, thanks to the hard work of local contractors and community support.” 

Council extends sincere thanks to the outstanding businesses and individuals who made this possible: 

• Johnson Bros Marine Construction led marine construction and design, managed consents, and drove piles from a Bay of Islands barge. 
• Heron Construction cast six multi-tonne pontoons at their Lower Port Road factory. 
• Steve Bowling Contracting and Robinson Asphalts provided project management, teams and equipment. 
• BDC Concrete built the abutment anchoring the pontoons. 
• Yendell Electrical and Ken Topp Builders contributed building skills and planning. 
• Atlas Cranes handled heavy lifting, positioning six-tonne pontoons safely and efficiently. 

These generous contributors also donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of materials, equipment and financial support. Their commitment has been extraordinary. 

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a monumental success for the Ngunguru, Tūtūkākā and wider coastal community.