It’s an iconic place that sits at the heart of the Governors Bay community and holds memories for generations of families. Soon people will be able to make new memories at the Governors Bay Jetty with construction now in full swing to rebuild it.

The historic jetty was built in 1874, but was closed in 2011 after it was severely damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes.

The Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust started work on the 300-metre jetty in August and are now constructing the first of two jetty platforms, with 14 piles installed to secure the structure. The jetty is expected to be completed before mid-2023.

Trust Chair, Prue Miller, says it’s been a significant process getting the jetty to the construction phase due to it being a very bespoke project.

“There’s a lot to think about and we know there will be many challenges along the way, but it was very exciting seeing the digger arrive,” says Prue.

The new jetty will provide access to the water for boats and swimmers, as well as become a place for fishing, walking, running, community activities and events. It’s also been redesigned to include a pontoon at the end and space to store kayaks.

“There’s so much history attached to this jetty,” says Prue. “We get stories all the time from people who are connected to it, from generations of families who have taken pictures here together to couples who got engaged here.”

The community has been fundraising to rebuild the jetty for a number of years. The trust has held art auctions, sold various products including calendars, tote bags and clocks, and also launched a Sponsor a Plank campaign – where people who donate can get their name recognised with a plaque on a jetty plank.

LPC recently became a key sponsor of the jetty project, with funds being used for the initial construction phase.

“A lot of people in our community have memories of the Governors Bay Jetty and we’re proud to be helping people make new ones with their own families by supporting the rebuild of this historic landmark,” says LPC’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Phil de Joux.

“It’s fantastic to have LPC as a sponsor,” says Prue. “We hope other businesses will be inspired by this and get involved in saving the jetty too. We’ve still got a lot of fundraising to do and every little bit helps.”

The project is expected to cost $3.5 million, with the Council paying half of the bill. So far, the trust has raised just over $1 million, with $670,000 still to raise. There is a range of sponsorship options available, including funding for benches, ramps, the two jetty platforms, signage, the pontoon, and even some binoculars.

For more information about sponsorship or to make a donation, contact savethejetty@gmail.com or call Prue Miller on 021 023 80405, or Louisa Eades on 021 129 5133.