Issue date
A 90m extension to Queens Wharf has been sunk for good, much to the relief of Auckland boat users.
On Wednesday the courts closed the file on the case after Panuku had applied for resource consent to build the controversial $16.9 million mooring dolphin attachment to Queens Wharf to allow mega-cruise ships to dock.
A significant drop in the council's revenue created by Covid-19 helped prompt the withdrawal of the application but it had received widespread opposition from the likes of Ngāti Whātua and various urban design organisations who opposed further incursion into Waitematā Harbour.
The Auckland Yachting and Boating Association, who represent 49 yachting and boating clubs in the area, as well as Yachting New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Ponsonby Cruising Club were others to oppose the wharf extension and lodged submissions in opposition.
"It's great news for us that it's finally the end of it," AYBA chairman Ian Clouston said. "It has cost us about $45,000 of member funds to finance it but it has been well worth it. Thankfully, commonsense has prevailed."
As many as 283 submissions were received by council opposing the scheme, with 44 in support and one neutral, and various public protests were also organised.
The dolphin had originally been scheduled to be constructed by late 2020 as one of six major construction projects in Auckland Transport's Downtown Programme to transform the city's waterfront for the America's Cup.
- Pic: An artist's impression of the dolphins on the end of Queens Wharf.
