Media statement
Thursday, April 15th, 2004

Auckland's ratepayers have no business owning marina

Auckland city has no business stomping up one cent let alone $46 million to buy the Westhaven marina, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"Public funds raised through taxes and rates should not be used to fund the purchase of a facility to benefit the private users of it," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"The marina is a wonderful asset but it's not as is if it can be moved.

"Marinas like Westhaven are typically owned and operated by incorporated societies.

"It was appropriate for the Port to sell the marina as it is not part of its core business, but neither is owning a marina core business for Auckland City.

"However the city is right to secure the waterfront from Queen Street through to Westhaven to maximise the public good aspects of the land's redevelopment, and this is what the city should focus on.

"The marina should be on sold to fund these acquisitions. After all there is no point in selling airport shares to buy a marina."

ENDS

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