New $6m marina open soon
A state of the art redeveloped marina at Motuoapa that is forecast to open up new business opportunities at the southern end of Lake Taupo¯ is on track for completion in July.
Taupo¯ harbourmaster Philip King says the bulk of construction work for the $6 million redevelopment which started in June last year is now complete. He says in the next two months contractors will beworking on roading, parking and green space areas, installing services and constructing gangways to marina berths.
The redevelopment includes 158 new berths catering for vessels up to 14 metres. The marina has been deepened to give larger vessels better access, and a manmade island within the basin has been removed. An area to the north of the marina has been reclaimed and a small beach is being created for recreation. A four-lane reinforced concrete boat ramp and floating jetties are also being constructed on the north-west corner of the reclaimed land.
Mr King says if everything continues to plan berth owners will be able to get boats into the marina in July. He says a review of the annual berthing fees has been undertaken to bring them into line with other Crown-owned marinas around the lake and reflect the improved facilities. The proposed fees are currently set at $280 (inc GST) per metre of berth which equates to $2800 for a 10 metre berth. Mr King says the fees reflect feedback received during consultation over the marina development. The pricing structure is similar to the current pricing for the Taupo¯ and Nukuhau berths.
Submissions are now being taken from interested parties and must be received by next Wednesday, May 31. Mr King says interest in boaties wanting berths has been good and around 80 per cent of the berths are expected to be taken up immediately.
“It is amodern facility that incorporates everything that is new and exciting in the marina industry.”
Mr King says although it is an immediate asset for the wider community, he believes the benefits will be seen in coming years.
“I really think it will create many flow-on business opportunities at the southern of the lake,” he says.
New berthing permit conditions are being finalised and once that is done previous berth holders and those on the waiting list will be contacted with allocation information.
Submissions to the proposed Motuoapa berthing fees close at 5pm tomorrow and can be emailed motuoapafees@dia.govt.nz, posted to PO Box 256, Taupo¯, 3351, or dropped off at the Harbourmaster’s Office at 75 Redoubt St, Taupo¯.
■ For information email harbourmaster@dia.govt.nz or phone the office on 378 7176.