Council makes America's Cup venue into a bus stop?

'A major superyacht servicing and fitout area could be lost in the Viaduct Basin if Auckland City Council transport plans proceed in the area.' Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

The Auckland City Council plans to change the downtown Viaduct Basin area into a transport hub, and in doing so will evict many of the traditional seafaring business that have operaed in the area for the past 100 years.

The area was also the venue for the 2000 and 2003 America's Cups and would fulfill the same function when New Zealand next wins the America's Cup.

In a letter to Marina Industry Association members, President Peter Busfield said:

'As you will be aware, the MIA has been fighting for the retention of land at Westhaven / Wynyard Point for the existing 100 marine industry companies and for future growth.

'The current status is that we are demanding 12 hectares of waterfront land, but in their proposed plan change the Auckland City Council is offering us only 8.

'We are currently in the middle of the formal submission process and to assist us gain public and political support, we have joined our efforts with the fishing industry. Together, we have written to all applicable central and local government politicians and other key influences as per the letter attached.

'The marine cluster at Westhaven / Wynyard Point has major significance for the New Zealand marine industry nationwide. Therefore, we encourage all MIA Members to use your contacts to ensure our case is fairly heard and gains a favourable outcome for our industry.'

The Cookson built Speedboat was launched in the Viaduct basin and fitted with sails from Norths and spars from Southern Spars before being exported to US. Norths and Southern have substantial facilities in the Viaduct basin. - PPL Media&copy Click Here to view large photo

In a covering letter to Association members the Council plans and the Association's frustration in dealing with the Auckland City Council became evident:

We are writing to you to make sure you are aware of Auckland City Council's proposed plan change for the Auckland waterfront area known as Wynyard Quarter.

We are strongly opposed to these plans, which we believe are not in the best
interest of Aucklanders, and also threaten the future of our fishing and maritime industries.

The Council's plan for the area is dominated by apartment buildings and fails to provide the space we need to operate. The Wynyard Quarter area will also be turned into a main transport arterial route from the CBD to the North Shore and Ponsonby, with up to one bus every two minutes passing across the new Te Wero Bridge during peak hours.

If the plans proceed in the current form, the marine and fishing industries will be squeezed out resulting in job losses, reduced export earnings, and loss of the Auckland Fish market and Moana Bazaar.

The area will lose all the vitality of a working waterfront.

We have operated in the area for more than 100 years and want to be there for the next 100. There are no alternative locations which are suitable.

Speedboat being fitted out in the Viaduct basin - Richard Gladwell

We are supportive of development of the area and want to see usable public spaces - but the current plan has gone too far in its focus on generating revenue.

Our research is telling us that Aucklanders don't want the area over-developed. Therefore, the current plans compromise what Aucklanders want and our economy needs: a vital, working waterfront.

Speedboat being prepared for the stepping of her mast in the Viaduct Basin - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

We recently made submissions to a planning commission hearing and have also been briefing the media to ensure that they have an understanding of the issues at stake.

We have also set up a website - www.vitalwaterfront.co.nz- to provide more information and to allow Aucklanders to have their say.

If you would like further information or if you wish to register your support please contact us or visit our website. Also, please forward this letter to those you believe will be interested - we need your support.

Eric Barratt
Managing director
Sanford Limited
021 325 209
ebarratt@sanford.co.nz

Peter Busfield
Executive director
Marine Industry Association
021 676 744
peter@bia.org.nz

Jeremy Fleming
Chief Executive
Aotearoa Fisheries
021 945 568
jeremy_fleming@afl.maori.nz

For further information or to register your support, please visit:
www.vitalwaterfront.co.nz

by Marine Business News