Whitianga basks in own-your-own bliss

By ALAN PERROTT

Sinatra's lyric "I did it my way" would be the ideal motto for Whitianga.

When development company Wilkins & Davies went bust before completing a grand 500-berth marina in the Coromandel township's historic anchorage, the locals stepped in to see the project through.

A rescue committee was formed, the scale of the project reduced, about $700,000 was raised and after five years of hard work the marina was in business.

More than 20 charter boats now operate from the facility, all run by local residents who shun any big-business interest.

Former pilot and fisherman Kevin Rintoul owns Blue Boat Cruises and captains the Katana, a converted trawler that can carry about 30 tourists on two-hour cruises around spectacular bays like Cathedral Cove. He operates all year round, with two cruises a day.

"We have a strong belief in 'do it yourself' around here," said Mr Rintoul.

"If major corporations got involved they would take control of our boats.

"As it is, about 95 per cent of the fishing boats working out of Whitianga are still owner-operated, which is a real achievement these days and I believe it's why Whitianga is one of the last small fishing ports still working."

Similarly, the town's bed and breakfast, backpackers and motel accommodation are all privately owned, and Jim Willescroft, owner of fish processing company OP Columbia, is determined to keep his business in Whitianga.

He employs up to 80 depending on the season and has just added huge new holding tanks to his factory. In September, OP Columbia beat big companies like Sealord to win the Sydney Market Seafood Award. Local community leader Noel Hewlett said Whitianga residents believed in a cooperative approach.

"Our business association and tourist bureau come together as Destination Whitianga so we all work together.

"With the waterways canal development under way and the sealing of the Coromandel ring road soon to be completed, we have big times ahead.

"It's a bit scary in some ways, but we are working to ensure it is sustainable and under our control."

Such efforts are commended by tourist Lisa Davies from Llanrhaeadr Ym Molhnant, a village in Wales. She is thrilled with Whitianga.

"This area seems to have escaped the attention of the big boys and long may that continue."

nzherald.co.nz/marine