Yachtsmen Query Council Motives In Westhaven Bid

Media Statement

YACHTSMEN QUERY COUNCIL MOTIVES IN MAKING RIVAL BID FOR WESTHAVEN MARINA

Yachting groups associated with the Westhaven Marina Charitible Trust's previously announced bid for Westhaven Marina are disappointed that Auckland City Council is still intending to lodge a rival bid for the marina.

"We cannot see why the council wants to invest substantial sums of ratepayer money in buying this marina, when there is no need for them to do so to achieve their stated objectives," says Trust spokesman Bill Endean.

"We have already committed to a public access policy and Council has control of what happens at the marina through normal planning processes. We are happy to work with council to enable them to achieve their overall objectives for the waterfront."

"The Council has no expertise in running a marina, a job which can safely be left to boating and sailing enthusiasts who will invest profits in fostering sailing, marine education and care of the harbour and gulf."

"The Council trades on the 'City of Sails brand'- they should not be obstructing the very people who are striving to keep that brand meaningful."

Mr Endean said he hoped councillors would see the wisdom of allowing the yachting community to buy Westhaven, and of using ratepayers money to bid only for Hobson Warf Marina adjacent to council owned facilities downtown.

"The last thing we want is a bidding war with our own council over Westhaven," said Mr Endean.

(Issued Wednesday March10 by Porter Novelli for the Westhaven Marina Charitable Trust. )

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