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As a result of a vote that Cr John Watson describes as “an epic contest”, Auckland Council will now prepare a regional marina strategy that could have a significant impact on the future of Gulf Harbour marina.
Last September, Council staff were asked by the Planning Committee for a strategy covering the marinas that Council owns, including the one at Gulf Harbour (HM September 19, 2018).
However, the report presented to the Committee for sign off last month instead recommended identifying issues and developing principles to guide decision-making regarding Gulf Harbour, Westpark and Half Moon Bay marinas. It sought to defer preparation of a full strategy until these principles were adopted, and until funding for a strategy was budgeted for.
The report estimated that a focus on principles for three marinas could cost less than $75,000 compared with “significantly more than $210,000” for a regional strategy.
There were several presentations made by the public preceding the debate, including Robert Allsopp-Smith, who spoke on behalf of the Berth Holders Association Gulf Harbour.
After an impassioned debate, Councillors rejected the recommendation and sent staff back to begin the process of developing a full strategy by commencing public consultation.
The Committee also stated the importance of adhering to empowering acts, which in Gulf Harbour protect public access.
Behind the move is a desire to keep marinas in public ownership.
Council CCO Panuku Development is proposing to sell Gulf Harbour marina to Gulf Harbour Investments, which currently leases the site, in exchange for control over the Hammerhead and a sum of $10 million (HM September 5, 2018). Council wants control over the Hammerhead to ensure continued free public access, which could be under threat once Gulf Harbour Investments exercises its rights under a development licence, potentially preventing free parking.
Should the sale not proceed, it will leave Council with few options to gain control over the Hammerhead other than the Public Works Act, which to date it has said it is not prepared to use.
However, Crs John Watson and Wayne Walker are hopeful that the strategy will strengthen the case for use of the Public Works Act and highlight the need for Gulf Harbour marina to be retained as a Council owned asset to provide for public recreation, berthholders’ needs and the ferry service.
Pending this work, all decisions related to marinas are on hold.
