Leaders criticise dry-dock subsidy

The Heart of the City business lobby group has released a digital illustration to show how the expanded wharves would block views of the Waitemata Harbour from the city and the North Shore.

Auckland councillors are questioning a $16.8 million ratepayer contribution to a planned new dry dock for superyachts, which Herald readers have strongly opposed.

The council-owned body Waterfront Auckland is asking ratepayers to chip in that amount so the local marine industry can get a bigger slice of servicing superyachts. It claims the dock would generate significant jobs and growth for the city.

It wants to build a $45.3 million lift-out facility on vacant land at Wynyard Quarter in partnership with Orams Marine. A further $90 million of private investment and other facilities are expected to follow.

Mayor Len Brown is backing the project but several councillors are questioning ratepayer involvement in the private sector.

Councillor Mike Lee said the former Auckland Regional Council - which he chaired - fought hard against plans by the Ports of Auckland to price the marine industry out of Wynyard Quarter and replace it with office blocks and apartments.

"We thought an appropriate economic development role for the council was protecting this industry. To actually have ratepayers start paying for the marine industry's tools of the trade is quite another matter.

"That should really be the responsibility of the marine industry's investors and bankers, not the Auckland ratepayer," Mr Lee said.

Councillor Cameron Brewer is also less than impressed, wondering if the project is a priority of suburban ratepayers at this time.

Yesterday, the executive director of the Marine Industry Association, Peter Busfield, defended the use of ratepayers' money to contribute to the lift-out facility, which Waterfront Auckland chief executive John Dalzell has said would not generate a sufficient return for the private sector to do it alone.

Mr Busfield said the project was not about funding for rich superyacht owners, but additional apprenticeships, jobs and economic benefits for the city and country's largest manufacturing sector.

He said superyacht refits were a growth industry with the average medium-sized job worth about $5 million to the marine industry and $1 million to hotels, restaurants and other services.

The project received some backing from Herald readers but most opposed it. John Verstegen, who has worked in the superyacht industry, said it would create many opportunities, apprenticeships and skills, but ratepayers should not be footing the bill, or even part of the bill.