| subscribe | magstore.nz/boatingnewzealand Boating New Zealand 13
COURT APPROVES
WAIHEKE MARINA
W
aiheke Island will receive a new marina following the
Environment Court’s decision to uphold the Auckland
Council’s May 2017 approval for the development of a
186-berth marina at Kennedy Bay.
Environment Court Judge Laurie Newhook says the
“overall outcome concerning natural character, landscape and
visual amenity values ... is that ... the proposal is appropriate
development in this location; will have only minor adverse efects
on the landscape and natural character of the environment; and
will have a range of efects, the great majority of them minor, on
visual amenity values present in Kennedy Bay and around Putiki
Bay and varying to positive and adverse depending on viewer
attitude and visual perception.
“We consider that when analysed in this way, the marina would
fit well into the landscape of Kennedy and Putiki Bays, provide a
largely positive contribution to the experience and amenities of
Waiheke Island, and ofer adverse efects that in the round will be no
more than minor.”
Tony Mair, director of Kennedy Point Boatharbour Ltd, the
successful applicant, is delighted with the decision. “The Court has
endorsed all of the efort we put into the project. All of our design
innovations and the engagement process we followed with keystakeholders Ngati Paoa and Sealink have been armed.”
The marina will use New Zealand-first floating breakwater
technology from Sweden, including floating pontoons for access,
car-parking and marina buildings. It will include space for public
pick-up and drop-of and day berthage for small boats visiting the
island. A café, kayak/SUP storage and community meeting space will
be developed. Donald Bruce Road will also be widened to improve
ferry queuing.
The Court noted that the “proposal is actually and positively
notable for the extent to which it ofers public access during hours
of daylight and other facilities accessible to the public such as
community rooms, a café, and carparking. We consider that the
Applicant has found a good balance between the needs of safety
and security on the one hand, and public access on a managed
basis on the other.”
Mair is disappointed with the additional costs and delays incurred
due to local opposition, forcing the project to the Environment
Court. The appeals cost his company in excess of $300,000.
Final design work will be completed in a few months, after which
the marketing and sale of berths will commence. Berths will range
from 10-25m in length.
For more information visit www.kennedypointmarina.co.nz