Close call for Sandspit wharf
Kawau Island and Sandspit residents and businesses want better communication from Auckland Transport after being given three weeks’ notice Sandspit wharf could shut or restricted for three months.
This in the lead in to the busiest time of the year.
In an extraordinary turn of events the group, along with the Rodney Local Board chairwoman Beth Houlbrooke and Councillor Greg Sayers joined to convince AT shutting the wharf could jeopardise Kawau access, tourism, people’s livelihoods, boat fuelling and emergency services.
A ‘plan B’ to get themselves, passengers and freight to and from the island should the wharf close also had to be quickly devised
Remedial work should have been planned for winter, they said.
In the end AT agreed, though vehicle restrictions and even closure for safety is still possible.
But the episode raises concerns over AT planning and communication, Sayers said.
Rodney Local Board chairwoman Beth Houlbrooke said she was ‘‘blindsided’’ at the September 15 meeting.
‘‘Everyone was shocked,’’ Sandspit residents and ratepayers chairman Greg Doherty said.
‘‘AT didn’t seem to understand the function of the wharf and what that would mean.’’
Houlbrooke’s concerns rose when AT staff suggested using the privately owned Sandspit Marina but admitted they hadn’t approached the private owners.
Later, AT spokesman Matiul Khan said retaining pedestrian access was intended, with most work finished in December, the rest after the summer holiday period.
But even partial closure would be difficult, the community advised.
Chief executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Barnett called the plans ‘‘a nonsense.’’
‘‘Not only are AT denying them the opportunity to do business, they also threaten employment. Unless these businesses can operate and be profitable, they’re not going to be able to employ people and those people are going to be locals.’’
Sayers called an urgent meeting with AT’s board chairman and CEO, when it looked like AT was going to go ahead, gaining assurances the work would be delayed, he said.