$20m makeover to transform Paihia waterfront

The maritime face of Paihia, Northland's premier tourist and holiday destination in the Bay of Islands, is to be substantially changed during a $20 million redevelopment project over the next 10 years.

Consent applications have been filed with the Far North District Council, which describes the project as the most extensive waterfront redevelopment programme initiated in the Far North.

The project's concept is being driven by council-owned trading company Far North Holdings.

It follows years of research and consultation with the local community, iwi and maritime and tourist stakeholders.

Company chairman Malcolm Nicolson says the undertaking is huge and will require multi-agency funding to complete.

Redevelopment would be staged as money came to hand.

The redevelopment is expected to involve an investment of more than $20 million during a decade.

The project has been designed to offer a protected haven for maritime users with redesigned and extended facilities for commercial and visiting vessels.

This work will go together with a major overhaul of land-based facilities.

Highlights include:

* Artificial reefs to create 620m of breakwater.

* Nearly 325m of new beach between Paihia wharf and Nihonui Pt (The Bluff).

* A new, dredged navigation channel to Paihia wharf.

* A reclamation of almost 4000sq m for a new helipad, landscaped public areas and access, promenade, seating and new public facilities.

* New commercial berths for tourism company vessels.

* An extra 12 berths for visiting boats inside a 160m floating wave reducer.

Other features include a new building for small maritime businesses, a war memorial in a garden courtyard, a cafe/restaurant and food kiosk, new boardwalks, viewing decks and walkways, a new visitor information centre and tour bus terminus, and foreshore planting.

Mr Nicolson said although the aim was to enhance Paihia's reputation as the tourism gateway to Northland and the Bay of Islands, the company was conscious of the need to retain the essential character of the Paihia waterfront. Breakwaters have been designed as artificial reefs, using natural materials.

Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp says that as far as she can recall, the project represents "the biggest leap forward" contemplated for any community in the North.