Powell to spruce up island's main resort

By FIONA ROTHERHAM

The Waiheke Island Resort will get a $750,000 facelift after being sold to Auckland businessman Jonathan Powell for an undisclosed sum.

Mr Powell owns the Sirdar luxury yacht and last month started an upmarket car rental company, European Car Rentals.

"We make a lot of trips to the island on Sirdar and now it means we can offer customers the chance to stay over on Waiheke Island in a luxurious setting," he said.

The resort is the largest on Waiheke Island, set on 3ha overlooking Palm Beach. It can accommodate up to 130 people and has conference facilities and a restaurant.

Mr Powell said he was financing the business activities through the sale of an overseas property portfolio.

Mr Powell bought the Sirdar from Alex van Heeren last September. European Car Rentals is about to open a 4500sq ft showroom on Princess Wharf.

The refurbishment of the Waiheke Island Resort is due to be completed in August.

Questionnaires are being sent to island residents asking them what sort of cuisine they would like at the resort's restaurant.

Mr Powell, a 36-year-old Englishman, arrived in New Zealand two years ago.

He was formerly in the British Army, where his duties included providing protection for diplomats.