Flood River Shingle To Fill In Kaikōura Sawmill SiteAugust 11, 2026Ashburton, Marlborough, North Canterbury, West CoastIt’s the end of an era for Kaikōura’s sawmill, but the site isn't done working for the town yet. The Beach Road mill, built in 1950s, has now been demolished and is ready for shingle from the Kowhai River to be carted in to level the site. Kaikōura-based contractor Richard Watherston, who is project managing the work, said consents had been obtained from the Kaikōura District Council. He has also met with Environment Canterbury (ECan) to discuss extracting 25,200 cubic metres of shingle from the Kowhai River. Mr Watherston also planned to apply to ECan to extract shingle from the Kowhai River for work he is contracted to do in the Ocean Ridge development.