| 13 T T Bernadette Cooney Major upgrade for popular marina Whitianga Marina offers access to the east coast’s natural marine beauty and boasts 231 berths ranging from 18 to 22 metres, catering to a variety of vessels. Whitianga Marina REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Located on the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, a prime gateway to the Mercury Islands and the Greater Mercury Bay area, Whitianga Marina has undergone significant upgrades in the last four years, transforming it into “one of the best facilities around,” according to marina manager Dave Munday. Pivotal to ensuring the marina stays a boater’s haven was the collaboration with main contractor Heron Construction, and Bellingham’s Marine, to upgrade fuelling dock capabilities, construct a new seawall and improve its car-parking station. “We began the consents process in February 2020, and now we’ve completed stage one,” says Dave. This has seen the marina’s fuelling capabilities upgraded from a single berth to a six-berth fuelling station, capable of serving five vessels simultaneously. This 24/7 fuelling facility cuts congestion, and in addition to diesel, the marina now offers petrol, ensuring flexibility for all types of boats. Whitianga Marina offers access to the east coast’s natural marine beauty and boasts 231 berths ranging from 18 to 22 metres, catering to a variety of vessels. With its modern amenities and proximity to prime fishing, diving, and recreation spots, Whitianga Marina is a hub for boating enthusiasts. It also connects seamlessly with the Whitianga Waterways project, which is attracting more boaters to the area says Dave. Whitianga Waterways is New Zealand’s first man-made residential island and there are plans to accommodate more than 300 residents across a canal-side community. “When the Waterways project is finished, you’re looking at over 1000 vessels up there,” says Dave. “So, the marina upgrade fits well with that intention.” Another major milestone achieved from the Whitianga Marina upgrade was the construction of a new 280m concrete seawall, replacing the old rock wall. This project was completed by Heron Construction, utilising advanced techniques to maintain marina integrity during construction. This upgrade enhances berth stability and safety. Vehicle parking upgrades were another priority, with the marina introducing new blacktop asphalt and additional spaces to cater to the growing number of boat owners using the marina for long and short stays. “We’ve gained a couple of car parks, completely refilled it with blacktop asphalt and cleaned it all up, lifting manhole covers and doing it properly,” Dave says. Whitianga Marina also provides two large sheds available for hire to facilitate maintenance work in any weather. “We have a 35-tonne travel lift and hardstand areas for up to 18 boats as well.” Dave’s maritime experience from his lifetime career in sailboat racing, combined with strong community support for the project, such as that from Joe Davies of local iwi, Ngāti Hei, ensured the marina’s ongoing success. “Joe was amazing and was heavily in favour of what we were trying to achieve, and we appreciate his support for this development.” With its upgraded facilities and quick re-fuelling docks, plus its unmatched accessibility to world-class game fishing and diving at Mercury Island, just 20 miles away, Whitianga Marina looks set to remain a preferred destination for New Zealand recreational boat owners from near and far. Specialists from bow to stern PROUDLY SUPPORTING WHITIANGA MARINA 5 Moewai Road, Whitianga admin@pcmarine.co.nz +64 7 866 0551 www.pcmarine.co.nz We have a comprehensive range of marine parts and an experienced team who can assist you with all your boating needs. ENGINES • MARINE PARTS • SERVICE & REPAIR
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