Okahu Bay Haul-Out Plan offers environmentally friendly solution for boat haulout

Coastal Classic - Waitemata Harbour - October 21, 2022 © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com/nz

Auckland the City of Sails - currently lacks a public haul-out yard in its central harbour. This surprising gap in a region with the most boats per capita presents a serious biosecurity risk. With international vessels arriving regularly and over 4,000 recreational boats on the water, marine pest management is now urgent.

The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) - long-time advocates for responsible boating and organisers of the iconic PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race - is leading a practical, community-led proposal to help address the issue: reopening the Okahu Bay haul-out yard on a reduced seasonal scale (May to December).

This isn’t about expansion - it’s about reactivating a proven, ratepayer-funded facility to help tackle growing marine biosecurity threats, with strong community support behind it.

“Since the 2022 closure, local haul-out options have become limited,” says Adrian Percival, Commodore of NZMYC. “As a result, many boat owners must now travel between regions simply for hull cleaning - raising the risk of spreading invasive pests like Fan Worm, Caulerpa, or the Northern Pacific Sea Star, a serious threat to shellfish and New Zealand’s multi-million-dollar aquaculture industry.”

Bruce Kendall, MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, Howick Local Board Member, passionate sailor, and environmentalist supports the concept. “The Tamaki 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.

He adds: “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. This proposal needs to be accepted for the sake of the environment if nothing else.”

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 Waitemata and Hauraki Gulf ecosystems. It also strengthens partnerships between recreational users and environmental goals.

“New marinas are being built without haul-out facilities. That’s left a glaring gap in a city defined by boating,” says Percival. “This proposal helps close that gap by using existing infrastructure and a community that’s ready to lead.”

The site already supports a range of community activities, including waka ama, dinghy storage, parking, and educational programmes. NZMYC is committed to working alongside existing users to ensure inclusive and collaborative use of the space. With thoughtful planning, everyone wins.

More than 1,600 public submissions were received on the site’s future, with 64% in favour of retaining haul-out capability. The proposal has also received positive engagement from Auckland Council and the Orakei Local Board.

“We support a vision for green spaces - but parks and healthy harbours can work together,” says Percival. “This is about protecting our marine environment and using existing assets wisely. It’s a practical solution that reflects what Aucklanders value.”

Approving this plan would give the Board a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy - one that reflects leadership in protecting the Hauraki Gulf, and one that future generations will thank them for.

A locally led operation like this — small in scale but high in environmental value — empowers the boating community to take responsibility for their impact.

“It may be small, but it’s smart, effective, and community-driven — a real example of the little yard that could,” says Percival.

Have your say:

A decision from the Orakei Local Board is expected on 17 July. Supporters are encouraged to share their views with the Board at orakeilocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by attending the meeting in person:

3:00pm, 17 July St Chads Church & Community Centre 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland