Waiheke gets a new boat ramp for Christmas

Waiheke boaties get a special Christmas present from Auckland City this year, a new recreational boat ramp at Kennedy Point.

The ramp is located between the existing wharf and the new breakwater.

The contractors, Works Infrastructure Ltd, finished pouring the concrete yesterday and the ramp will be ready to use by Christmas Eve.

Auckland City’s professional services manager for traffic and roading, Neill Forgie, says residents and holidaymakers can now enjoy easy access for launching their boats.

“It’s great the ramp is ready to use in time for the holiday season.

“People using the ramp do need to take care, however, and be aware that during high tide the new breakwater, which has not fully settled into the seabed yet, will be submerged and not visible. There are lights and a buoy to signal this.”

The second stage of the project will be competed at the end of 2005, where the breakwater will be fully submerged and the floating pontoon will be finished. The boat ramp will also be resurfaced at this time.

“Thank you to the residents of Waiheke for their patience during the last four months of construction, I’m sure the new ramp will be regularly used this summer,” says Mr Forgie.

Ends

Notes to editors: It is standard for a boat ramp to have a temporary concrete surface. After several months’ use allowing the ramp time to settle, new concrete is poured on top. The area will be open for public access on Friday, 24 December 2004.

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