SALES ON HOLD

The controversial sale of council-owned marina land in Auckland for housing has been put on hold after a public backlash.

Six of Auckland’s 12 marinas are privately owned with the remainder owned by council and operated by Panuku.

Councillors at a planning committee meeting in early September decided to halt the sale of marina assets until a strategic plan is developed for the city’s 12 marinas, following vocal opposition by boaties and local communities.

Several groups, including the Auckland Marina Users Association, oppose moves from the council’s development arm, Panuku, to sell marina assets from council-owned Pine Harbour, Bayswater and Hobsonville marinas for development.

The council’s strategic approach to marinas was criticised by the association, which called for a halt on the sale of marina land until an independent strategy is developed.

Mayor Phil Goff, ignoring recommendations from his officers to complete the strategic approach by December, possibly excluding the public, said it was better to be thorough, not rush it, and get it right.

“This is an opportunity for Auckland boaties to make contact and contribute, for the first time, to a global marina strategy for Auckland,” says Euan Little, chairman of Westhaven Marina Users Association.

“This is a huge opportunity to glean a variety of opinions. Traditionally Panuku have severely restricted proper consultation and this is the very first opportunity to prove to Council that public consultation can be effective and easy to gain and manage.

“At AMUA, we believe that we have this chance to make a point with Council, to prove the Panuku approach to be flawed and to establish longer term and better protection for all of the marinas in Auckland.”

Little encourages boaties to contact their respective Marina Berth Holder Associations.