Unsafe Tokaanu marina will be gone by year’s end

The Minister for Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta has announced that the unsafe marina in Tokaanu will be removed.

The marina was closed in August 2019 due to significant concerns. An assessment found it to be in poor condition. The risk to users was high and the potential for damage to moored boats significant.

“Repairing or replacing the marina would have meant fee increases for all paying users across Lake Taupo,” says Minister Mahuta.

“Other facilities at Tokaanu can continue to be used, including water sports and boating access via the two Crown-owned boat ramps.”

The decision to remove the unsafe marina has not been made lightly, and the local community and berth holders were consulted. While there wasn’t unanimous support for this decision, on balance, it’s seen to be the best result for the local community.

For current berth holders, there are berths available at Motuoapa Marina should they wish to relocate. Motuoapa Marina was recently refurbished and offers much better berthing facilities than Tokaanu. It is a 15 minute drive from Tokaanu.

“The current marina solely benefits berth holders. By removing the marina, hapu¯ and the wider community will be able to access and use the area.

“Representatives from the local hapu¯ , Nga¯ ti Kurauia, tell us they have their own aspirations for the entire area which align with their history, values and tikanga.”

Removal is expected to happen later in the year. Any salvageable timber will be donated to Nga¯ ti Kurauia for use in their whare and at Tokaanu marae.