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“We intend to roll out the availability of sewage pump-outs throughout
the marina,” says Lidgard, “and have procured a large vacuum sewerage pump
for this. It will allow users to empty their holding tanks from their own berths.”
These projects have helped the marina secure the prestigious Blue
Flag environmental accreditation for the 12th year in a row.
Lidgard says much work is needed to sort out the marina’s seawater
quality issue. “It’s largely a function of run-off from the adjacent St
Marys Bay. We’re actively involved with Panuku Development Auckland,
Auckland Council and Watercare to resolve the problem, and while we’re
making progress, it’s not a quick fix. But we will get there.”
He points out that one of the marina’s goals is better integration
with the community, and that the enhanced promenade project has
contributed significantly.
“The Westhaven Promenade is now a well-established part of the
marina and Panuku will soon complete a similar link between Sails
Restaurant and St Marys Bay, which currently runs as an interim route
along Westhaven Drive.”
Another ‘wider community’ issue being addressed is the marina
license review, he says. “The current licenses exclude a variety of
Westhaven members – such as sailing schools, charter fleets, and even
the Floating Dock.
“Our review of the berth licence wording will accommodate these and
refresh some outdated clauses. This process will require BEU holder approval- and the proposal will be presented at a special meeting.”
To be completely effective, he adds, the upgraded marina needs a good
team. “I think we have a responsibility in cultivating personnel to support the
future of the marina industry. To that end we introduced a cadet programme
last year. Our first cadet, Jesse Bird, has nearly completed his programme of
study, and we’ve just appointed our second candidate.
“We worked with the NZ Marine & Composites Industry Training
Organisation to develop a hands-on training programme that lets
young marina professionals complete a full cycle of work experience in
all aspects of marina management. Programmes are made up of unit
standards that contribute to NCEA.”
For more information about Westhaven Marina, Phone:
0800 MARINA (088 627 462) or visit http://www.westhaven.co.nz.swipe-tag access. And our network of 155 CCTV cameras is now
interconnected via a new fibre-optic backbone – considerably improving
marina security.”
Other high-profile upgrades include the refurbishment of two piers over
the last year, and gangway replacements for all piers. Crew are now working on
B, C, Q and R piers. All marina piles are being condition-surveyed, and the pile
replacement programme is ongoing.
Also improved is the marina’s water supply, with the old and narrow
pipework completely replaced. The new infrastructure now provides sufficient
pressure for fire-fighting, and better meets the demands of marina users and
land-based tenants.
Recently refurbished laundry and bathroom facilities and a better waste
collection system have also made their mark.LEFT Part of the marina’s
appeal is the way it supports
a variety of water-based
activities for the wider
community.