Tolaga Bay Wharf will be opened to its halfway point by the end of February next year, the District Council says.

The wharf has been closed since January, due to impacts from Cyclone Hale. At the time it was assessed for user safety and a recommendation made to instal the temporary fence and stop access.

Following further large swells, it was reassessed and a second section was deemed unsafe due to major deterioration; two piles missing at the berth, steel rods hanging from the structure, significant corrosion of concrete and reinforced steel exposed on beams.

The council said on its website on Wednesday, “We understand this iconic structure is also a valued fishing spot for the community. Reopening the wharf to halfway by the end of February allows time to measure the depth at low and high tide from the halfway point, alter and galvanize materials and finalise safety signage.

“In the new year, a computer scanning survey will be run on the structure. This will provide more qualitative data of the structural condition and can be used as a benchmark to compare with future surveys. It will also provide a visual of the deterioration to assist with future decisions.

“Thank you for your continued patience.”