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Removing a tugboat that has been left to decay in the Weiti River has fallen to the community, with Restore Hibiscus & Bays and Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa marae hoping to raise the $10,000 needed.
The vessel Wakatu, believed to have been built in 1962, has been in the river, originally tied to the bank, for around 20-25 years. Her owner is unknown. Over the years, squatters have lived there but she has been considered abandoned for more than 15 years. The boat has settled into the mud, near Wade Landing Reserve, and Restore Hibiscus & Bays, which is involved in restoration of the riverbank, fears that as she breaks up and sinks, the pieces could pollute and obstruct parts of the river used for recreation.
Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton says they removed oil from the vessel around 15 years ago and will not be doing anything further, as the boat is not a navigational hazard. He says Auckland Council is aware of the vessel, and had it on the radar for removal for years, but does not have the budget to do the work.
He says it needs to be dismantled in situ as it no longer floats, making it an expensive job.
Restore Hibiscus and Bays manager Kelly Meikle says when they heard this, they took on the project, with the marae, obtaining a quote for $10,000 to have it removed and demolished safely.
“We have been told others have wanted it removed in the past, but no one succeeded,” Meikle says. “We are hoping this time we can get the job done – perhaps the cranes being used for Penlink could help? As time goes on, it becomes more of a hazard and the riparian area can’t be restored by the reserve until Wakatu has gone. It would be wonderful to one day be able to launch kayaks from the reserve and paddle down the river.”
Donations are welcome to: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/weiti-river-restoration-project-wakatu?ref=home&ref_code=donation_feed
