Aussies hailing our watertaxis

By FIONA ROTHERHAM

The distinctive yellow watertaxis from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour have been transported to Sydney for the Olympic Games.

Auckland boating manufacturer and water taxi operator, SportYachts (NZ), is supplying the boats for a 24-hour taxi service from Darling Harbour to Rozelle Bay under a contract with the Waterways Authority of New South Wales, which supervises Sydney Harbour's marine traffic.

The NZ company will supply eight boats to the Australian operator, Water Taxi Tours, in a $1 million deal.

It is also supplying some staffing assistance during the Olympic Games, but is not involved in the overall management and operation of the Sydney fleet although it was originally planning to be.

"The Sydney waterfront is different to the New Zealand waterfront," said SportYachts spokesman David Farrell. "Patriotism certainly runs high around their wharf area.

"Ultimately we're not sure our business is being operators of taxis. Our business is providing vessels and blueprints for marketing structures."

SportYachts will continue operating a scaled-down taxi service in the Viaduct Basin and the Waitemata Harbour, and will bid to provide the service for the next America's Cup.

SportYachts owners Gary McNabb and Robert Parkinson are also involved in Yes Group, which is trying to take over the Auckland Warriors.

Two water taxis used during the America's Cup will be leased to the Australian operator for the Olympic Games.

They were sent to Sydney at the weekend, and should be in service by Friday.

The other six rigid-hull inflatable boats sold to the new company are in varying stages of construction and SportYachts will deliver one a week.

SportYachts has also sold two boats to Vanuatu, and is negotiating with operators in four other cities, including Budapest.

Water Taxi Tours is a new company set up by long-time Sydney marine operators Brian McDermott and Tim Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd said they were attracted to the yellow taxis while visiting New Zealand during the Cup.

He said the $A10-a-head ($12.40) water taxi service would continue after the Games.

It might also be extended to different routes.