Call for Auckland waterfront authority

The Government is being urged to set up an Auckland waterfront authority to control development of the Westhaven Marina and other prime harbour spots. Auckland City Councillor Penny Sefuiva said such an authority would balance competing demands of commercial, transport and recreational interests.

Ports of Auckland's moves to sell by tender the Westhaven and Hobson West Marinas should be halted and the marinas and land taken back into public ownership, said Mrs Sefuiva. But it should be accompanied by a co-ordination of planning and development for the whole waterfront in the Auckland region, including Manukau Harbour.

She suggested a body such as the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, which manages and protects 400ha of Australia's most valuable and historic real estate.

Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard said she would promote a local bill in Parliament if the Auckland City Council wanted it.