Waterfront upgrade to enhance refit industry

by Geoff Green on 1 Feb 2006 Auckland, the sailing addicted city that hosted the 2000 and 2003 America’s Cups, is planning to redevelop a large area of central city waterfront by relocating bulk liquid storage tanks to create space for parks, mixed-use developments, a maritime events centre and a marine service precinct dedicated to the already well developed local marine industry.

The authorities leading the redevelopment agree the Westhaven Marine Cluster – New Zealand’s largest with 109 companies – is instrumental in generating Auckland’s ‘City of Sails’ branding, and it must be retained to service the local fleet, and visiting cruisers and superyachts.

As a result, they will enact a marine zone that will insulate the industry from rising land values, guarantee waterfront position and ensure day-to-day service activities are integrated into the staged developments scheduled for implementation between now and 2025.

The Marine Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) lobbied hard to retain the Westhaven Marine Cluster’s prime position and a generous allowance for growth because it accounts for 15% of New Zealand’s marine turnover and generates 17% of the country’s marine exports.

With four independent marinas, three slipways to 1500 tonnes, three travel-lifts to 60 tonnes and ten marine engineering companies, a significant portion of the cluster’s NZ$397m annual turnover is derived from servicing, maintenance and refits. In the year ending March 2005 it accounted for 55% of all New Zealand refit activity by dollar value.

Peter Busfield, executive director of the MIA, says the cluster’s comprehensive facilities, high skills sets and heart of the city location make it relatively unique in global terms.

'Virtually every maritime ingredient is available within a compact area adjacent to the city’s vibrant business, retail and entertainment districts. Crews can undertake a major refit and enjoy an after-hours social life.’

The cluster’s ability to complete complex projects quickly and efficiently generates an additional bonus for international voyagers; ample time remains available after a refit to cruise New Zealand’s beautiful coast before visas expire or vessels move north into the tropics for the winter cruising season.

To assist owners and crew make contact with companies relevant to their needs local businesses have formed the Westhaven Yacht Refit Destination Group. Comprehensive information about the refit services and facilities available in Westhaven, Auckland, New Zealand can be found at www.westhavenrefit.co.nz