Breakwater risky at night says marina manager

By WAYNE THOMPSON

One of Auckland's most popular harbour fishing spots and walkways could be officially off-limits at night.

The 900m floating breakwater that protects the Bayswater Marina on the North Shore is the longest of its type in Australia and New Zealand.

It gives deepwater access to scores of anglers daily and allows strollers to take in the harbour sights and bracing sea breezes.

But it is also one of the most dangerous public facilities in Auckland, says marina company general manager Philip Wardale.

The walkway sat just 40cm above the water, was often awash with waves and ferry wake and rocked a lot, he said yesterday.

During rough weather he locked the breakwater gate to ensure that no one fell over or was washed off.

But he has also been locking the gates in winter from 6.30pm to 6.30am and in summer from sunset to sunrise, though was more lenient in the height of summer when many people were fishing.

Mr Wardale said the resource consents granted for the 1990s reclamation and marina project authorised him to forbid access in rough weather.

But he was also worried about the use of the breakwater at night, even when the weather was fine.

The structure had no footlights, might attract drunken youths, and exposed the boats to vandalism, he said.

Planning consent was conditional on the public having access at all reasonable times, but Mr Wardale said darkness was not a reasonable time because of safety and security risks and the marina company's liability for safety.

The company was seeking Auckland Regional Council approval to change the consent conditions and close in winter from 6.30pm to 6.30am and in summer from 9pm to 6am.

Devonport Community Board chairman Mike Cohen said the council was inviting public views on the matter.

The board was against closing parks and reserves at night, he said. Mt Victoria was closed to traffic but not people.