The short answer: a floating modular jetty is usually quicker to consent and install, rises and falls with the tide, and can be moved or extended. A piled fixed jetty suits exposed sites and permanent heavy access.
Floating modular jetty
Piled fixed jetty
Consent
Usually still needs a consent, but no piling works in the seabed or lakebed
Consent for piling and a permanent structure in the water
Cost
Float Pods from NZ$540 per m², Walk Pods from NZ$382 per m², plus mooring
Piling rig and marine contractor; typically higher, quoted per site
Tides
Deck stays the same height above the water at every tide
Deck height fixed; at low tide the water can be well below
Relocation
Unbolt, move, extend or reconfigure
Permanent
Environment
No piles driven; Walk Pods float over wetlands and mud
