Issue date
Supporters of a smart, community-led plan to help protect Auckland’s marine environment are being encouraged to make their voices heard ahead of a critical Ōrākei Local Board meeting next Thursday (17 July).
The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) is proposing a seasonal reopening of the former haul-out facility at Ōkahu Bay - a practical, small-scale initiative designed to combat the rising threat of marine pests in the Hauraki Gulf.
The City of Sails currently lacks a public haul-out yard in its central harbour, a surprising gap in a region with the most boats per capita in the world. With international vessels arriving regularly and more than 4,000 recreational boats on the water, it represents a serious biosecurity risk.
With strong backing from Yachting New Zealand, recreational boaties, environmental advocates and local leaders, momentum is building but visible public support in the lead-up to the board’s decision could prove decisive.
"This proposal needs to be accepted for the sake of the environment if nothing else," said Bruce Kendall, MBE, Olympic gold medallist, Howick Local Board member, and passionate sailor and environmentalist. "The Tāmaki River is a unique ecosystem and has so far avoided some of the current plague of marine pests. The more boats that travel from the city and up the river to haul out, the higher the risk."
The seasonal operation, proposed to run from May to December, would utilise existing, ratepayer-funded infrastructure without expanding the site's footprint.
According to NZMYC Commodore Adrian Percival, it would revive a proven, locally managed solution to tackle invasive species like fanworm, caulerpa, and the Northern Pacific sea star - marine pests with the potential to seriously damage coastal ecosystems and aquaculture.
"Since the 2022 closure, local haul-out options have become limited. As a result, many boat owners must now travel between regions simply for hull cleaning - raising the risk of spreading invasive pests," Percival said.
"New marinas are being built without haul-out facilities. That's left a glaring gap in a city defined by boating. This proposal helps close that gap by using existing infrastructure and a community that's ready to lead."
The proposal also strengthens partnerships between recreational users and environmental goals, Percival said. The Ōkahu Bay site already supports a range of community activities, including waka ama, dinghy storage, parking, and educational programmes. NZMYC has committed to working collaboratively with all current users to ensure the space remains inclusive and multi-purpose.
The proposal would offer a solution to tackling the spread invasive species. Photos / Supplied
Kendall says the model has precedent: "Many boating clubs around the country operate haul outs successfully on a volunteer basis. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club has operated a seasonal haul out for many years using the same model as that being proposed by NZMYC."
Public sentiment is clear - more than 1,600 submissions were received during consultation, with 64 per cent in favour of retaining haul-out capability. NZMYC says the plan has also received constructive engagement from Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board.
"We support a vision for green spaces, but parks and healthy harbours can work together," Percival said. "This is about protecting our marine environment and using existing assets wisely. It's a practical solution that reflects what Aucklanders value."
Approving the plan would help safeguard biodiversity in the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf and leave a lasting legacy of responsible, community-led environmental action.
"It may be small, but it's smart, effective, and community-driven - a real example of the little yard that could."
Yachting New Zealand interim chief executive Raynor Haagh said adoption of the NZMYC plan is a logical and important step in managing Auckland's biosecurity risk.
"There is no doubt that fewer haul-out areas in Auckland for hull cleaning and antifouling increases the risk of marine pests being spread," Haagh said. "We must do everything within our power to help reduce the spread of invasive species. While no single measure can solve Auckland's marine biosecurity challenges, this proposal reduces the interregional pest transfer, supports sustainable maintenance, and helps protect the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf ecosystems."
Supporters can make submissions via email to orakeilocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz before the board’s vote on July 17. Public attendance at the meeting - from 3pm at St Chads Church & Community Centre, 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland - is also welcome.
