Summer disruption expected at Opua launch ramp
Far North Holdings is warning of significant disruption at the Opua boat launch ramp this summer. Construction work on
the Bay of Islands Marina expansion project has restricted the amount of vehicle and trailer parking space available at
the ramp and the company wants residents and visitors to bear this in mind when making launch plans.
Temporary vehicle and trailer parking has been created using limited additional space and Far North Holdings is
publicising this on its website (fnhl.co.nz), through cinema advertising in Kerikeri and by direct mail in the Opua,
Kawakawa and Moerewa areas.
“We’ve done what we can to ease the congestion but the pressure on the ramp and the limited parking available is going
to be significant over the summer and we want people to consider launching elsewhere, possibly at Waitangi, if they
possibly can,” said Far North Holdings general manager Chris Galbraith.
Construction started last month and is expected to take 15 months to complete.
“It’s going to look fantastic when it’s finished and of course everyone will have improved launching facilities at their
disposal when work is complete,” Mr Galbraith said. “We hope our community will bear with us while the work is underway,
though, and accept our apologies for the inevitable disruption over the summer.”
About Far North Holdings Ltd
Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) is responsible for managing and operating the commercial activities of the Far North District Council. These include Port Opua, Bay of Islands Marina, Kaitaia and Bay of Islands Airports, Paihia Maritime Buildings and
Paihia Wharf, Williams Road Car Park and the Kaitaia Education Campus.
Since 2005 all of FNHL’s trading surplus has either been distributed to the Far North District Council or reinvested in
property and infrastructure within the Far North District. The Far North District Council estimates that without this
financial contribution
general rates would have been approximately four percent a year higher, each year, over this period.
FNHL’s mandate includes the support and development of economic activity in the Far North.
ENDS