6 | Expansion underway The new breakwater is well underway and expected to be completed by February 2023, with the new outside wall having to be completely finished before the old breakwater could be dismantled. from page 4 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whitianga Marina Commercial diving & marine services across New Zealand Proudly supporting Whitianga Marina Ph: 04 577 3650 E: www.underwatersolutions.co.nz Previously it was tricky for more than one boat to fill up at a time. During the peak summer season boats were putting anchors down in the Whitianga river while they waited their turn. Now Whitianga Marina can cater for up to five boats filling up at once, which is just as well considering what’s coming. “The Waterways have two big islands accessed using bridges, but you can’t get under those bridges with a launch, it’s not possible, so these big petrol boats are the only option. When that development’s finished it’s going to have 1000 boats in there,” says Dave. The new breakwater is well underway and expected to be completed by February 2023, with the new outside wall having to be completely finished before the old breakwater could be dismantled. Once finished Whitianga Marina will have 31 new big berths for boats measuring from 18 to 22 metres, while nevertheless staying within its original footprint. Its construction can be likened to a lego set, with 65 new piles driven nine and half metres into the seabed to anchor the 6m x 3m concrete panels that connect to form the outer wall of the new breakwater. While performing its primary function of protecting the marina from the river currents the new breakwater design presents more than just an endless concrete façade thanks to some beautiful Maori motifs etched into its surface. “The local iwi Ngati Hei is quite heavily involved in this and James Webster has done the special artwork incorporated into the panels the whole way along,” says Dave. “Once the outer walls are complete there’ll be a 2.5 metre public walkway right along the top with a handrail running along both sides. 600 metres of handrail will be lit up at night with recessed lighting every two metres, it will be a beautiful sight.” Interspersed along the length of the 260-metre-long breakwater which runs the length of the marina will be 31 new berths ready for boats up to 22 metres long to back into position. Their approach through the marina will be easier too thanks to the new breakwater’s walls being predictably vertical. “The old rock wall was built on an angle so at low tide you didn’t know how close you could go. It made it tricky if you met another boat coming the other way at low tide, but we’ve gained some width in our fairway and boats won’t have to hug the middle anymore.” Paid for by selling berths off the plans in much the same way as any townhouse development, the marina expansion will bring more than just extra boats to Whitianga. The extra capacity makes it easier for the summer influx of people to boost the local economy as they access the shops they need. Having spent several years in the world of international yacht-racing and now been managing the marina for five years, Dave’s proud to be part of improving the services available to locals and visitors alike.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=