A long-awaited boost for Kaiapoi’s rowing and water sports community has been delivered, with the completion this week of a new launch facility at Murphy Park.
The new pontoon marks the completion of a project years in the making, achieved through collaboration between Council, local clubs, and a generous community supporter.
The completed pontoon measures approximately 22 metres by 3.3 metres and includes two aluminium gangways. Positioned parallel to the riverbank, it is permanently open to the public and designed to cater for rowing clubs, schools, and recreational users.
The new facility forms part of a wider redevelopment of Murphy Park, which includes upgraded parking, landscaping and improved facilities that will benefit multiple sports codes and park users.
“This project shows what can be achieved when Council works alongside the community. By combining Council funding with local expertise and generosity, we’ve delivered a high-quality, long-lasting asset that will be used by a wide range of people, without placing unnecessary pressure on ratepayers,” says Greenspace portfolio holder Councillor Brent Cairns.
Murphy Park has been a popular informal launch site since the earthquakes, used by groups including St Margaret’s College, Union Rowing Club, the Waimak Dragon Boat Club and Kiwi Outdoor Resilience Education (KORE).
However, ongoing health and safety concerns and limited space meant the area could not function as a true river access.
That challenge became more urgent as the existing beach launch area was deemed unsuitable for long-term use. Limited room for trailers and the presence of hazardous concrete blocks in the river were flagged by Environment Canterbury as issues that needed to be addressed.
The idea for a permanent, purpose-built base on the river was first raised with Council by local clubs in 2018. Discussions continued over several years, with an initial concept plan developed in 2023. While funding constraints slowed progress, a breakthrough came when a parent from St Margaret’s College offered both significant financial support and professional expertise.
Under the agreed arrangement, Council contributed $100,000 from existing budgets, while Woody Blakely, director of Woody B Ltd who is a parent at the school, covered the remaining costs.
His involvement dramatically reduced the overall cost of the project, which could otherwise have exceeded $500,000 based on similar pontoons previously considered. Council funded the remaining site works.
“What’s particularly pleasing is that this facility isn’t for one group—it’s for the whole community. Schools, clubs, and recreational users can all benefit, and that’s exactly what we want to see from Council-led investments,” says Councillor Cairns.
The pontoon is now complete and available for public use from Monday.