Gravity Feed. News from Lattey Group.

CEO COMMENT

EcoReef® in action

Our EcoReef® coastal protection structure has been successfully completed at Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay.

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Installed in just five weeks, the completed EcoReef® system now spans 210 metres along the beach directly in front of the lagoon, in an area that plays a key role in Hastings District Council’s stormwater network.

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Designed to help safeguard the lagoon and nearby infrastructure from erosion and storm damage, the structure is comprised of 1,385 interlocking hexagonal EcoReef® blocks, designed to hold natural beach material in place.

Most of the time, the structure is barely visible, buried beneath the sand and gravel, but during storm events, the lower layers are exposed, helping to absorb wave energy and prevent erosion.

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The need for a resilient solution became clear during Cyclone Gabrielle, when the coastline came within three metres of breaching the lagoon. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst acknowledged the importance of the project, describing the EcoReef® system as a practical response to a growing environmental challenge.

Manufactured at our Irongate plant in Hastings, the EcoReef® blocks were installed and filled using materials sourced from the site, greatly reducing transport-related emissions. Careful project management ensured disruptions were minimised and beach access was maintained at this popular local surfing and dog walking spot.

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Mark Hook

CEO