Puhoi Wharf Boost to Tourism

The mayor is taking a punt on Puhoi.

Well, he will be soon if a plan to reinstate the old Puhoi wharf is successful.

The plan is the initiative of the Puhoi community, supported by the Rodney District Council which has included the wharf project in its Long Term Plan.

Mayor John Law says the wharf will be a welcome addition to the tourism attractions of Rodney, and a major step forward in his vision of connectivity by the sea-a series of wharves and jetties linking Auckland with the coastal communities of Rodney.

Connectivity by the sea is an idea, first broached by the mayor two years ago, but now gaining momentum after a presentation by John Law to the North Shore City Council and the subsequent unanimous endorsement of the concept by that council.

Mr Law says the proposed Puhoi wharf, seven kilometres inland, shows that it will not only be coastal communities that will benefit from the connectivity: "Puhoi is one of the most marvellous spots in Rodney. To again connect it to sea by providing a safe mooring for larger boats as well as kayaks shows what can be done by a local community with vision and a lot of enthusiasm."

"It will be quite a boost to tourism."

Just when the mayor will take his up from Wenderholm to Puhoi is unknown. The council's Parks and Coastal coastal engineer, Paul Klinac, says that the project's inclusion in Rodney's 10-year Plan was a major step forward and the council would be doing all it can to expedite the project.

"We have been working with the Puhoi community on this and they have been terrific," he says.

Options for development of the wharf are being currently being drafted by a local engineer on behalf of the community, who will consider the most appropriate structure and location.

"Once those options are presented and considered, we should be able to announce a commencement date," says Mr Klinac.

ENDS

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