A new flying fox is being installed at Maraetōtara Reserve in Ōhope.

The old flying fox, originally built by Ōhope Lions, was a popular attraction at the reserve for decades.

It became a no-go zone after extreme weather events in 2022 caused erosion of dunes, pictured below, and the reserve land it was built on.

Whakatāne District Council has contracted Tracks Whakatāne and BW Engineering to create a replacement with a more modern design.

Installation began last week and is expected to take two weeks to complete.

The new flying fox will feature two cables and is being positioned further from the dunes, alongside the skate bowl.