The Waioeka river mouth in Ōpōtiki is reopening today after being closed to week-day boat traffic since September.

The closure was in place to allow dredging works on the $100million harbour project to proceed safely.

Pakihikura, the waterway from the confluence with the Otara River to the river mouth will reopen to boaties from this Friday 16 December.

HEB Construction are the lead contractors on this large-scale build. Project Manager, David Wyeth, says that the main river would reopen for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

'Thanks to all the local boaties who have been supportive of the project to date and have been patient with week-day closures for the last few months.

'It means that we have been able to make excellent progress on the dredging works and we are on track to complete harbour works and have the river flowing fully between the new seawalls in the second half of 2023.

'In the New Year, Hinewai will resume dredging and a diversion channel will be in place for boat traffic and details will be signposted at the boat ramp.

'The team out on site and all our many sub-contractors and staff will take a well-deserved break over the Christmas period and work will recommence from 9 January.

'Thanks to all those working on the Harbour project for a very successful year. Thanks also to the Ōpōtiki public who support us and who have helped make this happen. On behalf of HEB, I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and we'll see you soon,” says David.