New 'little island' for the Bay

The first leap: Swimmers take the plunge from Paihia's new swimming pontoon, called Motu Iti (Little Island). PHOTO / Russell Carlyon

Focus Paihia's latest project may prove one of its most popular - for youngsters visiting the Bay of Island town in summer anyway.

The community trust has moored a swimming pontoon in the middle of Taiputuputu Pahi Beach, almost opposite the Stone Church, earlier this month.

Called Motu Iti (Little Island) the 6 x 4m floating platform was built and paid for by Focus Paihia, driven by local residents Tiffany Holland and Blake Cameron, and made possible by a raft (sorry!) of individuals and organisations donating time and materials.

Mrs Holland said the efforts of volunteers - in particular the Focus Paihia Hard Core Crew - and the generosity of local businesses meant a project that would normally have cost about $25,000 came in at less than $11,000.

She said even Prime Minister John Key stopped by during the Waitangi Day eve launch (admittedly he was passing by at the time) and the Royal New Zealand Navy performed a guard of honour (though it may have been for Mr Key).

The launch at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club ramp was marked with a blessing and a splash of champagne across the bow.

Once it was moored in position, project volunteers and family members swam out for the inaugural jump, almost pipped to the post by a "super-keen tourist" already halfway to the pontoon.