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. )