A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
Progress has been made over trailer parking around the harbour boat ramp, particularly during cruise ship visits, but stakeholders say more talks will be needed to find permanent solutions.
Recreational fishers have particular concerns about congestion and lack of parking during major fishing contests in the New Year.
Boat trailer parking restrictions during the visit of the cruise ship Maasdam last Thursday angered and frustrated some people.
A meeting on Friday to discuss the situation was attended by Mayor Meng Foon, Councillor Malcolm McLean, and representatives from Eastland Port, Activate Tairawhiti and Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club.
Parking spaces normally available for boat trailer parking next to the boat ramp were blocked off by cones, with security in place, last Thursday.
Parking in front of The Works restaurant was also cordoned off.
The cordons were put in place as part of a traffic management plan to provide for turning space for buses involved in the cruise ship visit.
Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club president Roger Faber, who called Friday’s meeting, said the impact on two big fishing contests in the New Year was discussed.
The Bay Bonanza runs from January 25 to 27. Cruise ship Azamura Quest arrives on January 25.
The Marlin and Tuna hunt runs from February 14 to 17. Cruise ship Silver Muse arrives on February 15.
Eastland Port general manager Andrew Gaddum said fortunately both were smaller ships, with smaller passenger numbers.
Mr Faber said the meeting was positive.
“All parties are happy to try to work together — cruise organisers and fishermen — so we can all operate there at the same time during those big contests.
“Ideas were exchanged on how we can achieve that.”
Progress was made regarding the two major fishing contests.
“But we still have major concerns about the amount of parking for everyone using that area at other times, and we have voiced those concerns,” said Mr Faber.
Activate Tairawhiti general manager of tourism Adam Hughes said he was working with the fishing club and the port.
Another meeting between the fishing club and his organisation to work out the best solution for both parties is scheduled for later this week.
“A traffic management plan is in place for those two days during the big fishing contests in the New Year, which we are open to modifying to accommodate everybody,” Mr Hughes said.
Tourism Eastland president Penny Shaw said the tourism organisation had worked alongside Eastland Port, Gisborne Wine Centre and the fishing club for more than 10 years to build up an efficiently organised cruise sector.
“Sadly it appears to be unravelling this year due to a few factors, the prime one being the requirements of a traffic management plan that closed the port road and associated boat trailer parks . . . and tough luck for anyone affected.”
Mrs Shaw called on the council to listen to ratepayers, be conciliatory and “not heavy-handed”.
“There is a better way to solve this dilemma. Sadly those involved in the cruise ship visit last Thursday witnessed, and were negatively affected by, acts of defiance that could jeopardise some ships deciding whether to return to Gisborne.”
Tairawhiti Roads general manager Dave Hadfield said traffic management plans were a requirement for organisers, to safely manage both people and vehicles for any significant events.
“We’re more than happy to assist organisers to improve the plan for the upcoming events so that it works better and is safer for everyone.”
Mr Gaddum said the matter of boat trailer parking had to be resolved collaboratively.
“The ramp, and the parking around it, is a multi-user site,” he said. “Everyone wants the cruise ships to call here. So it’s a matter of working together.”
He said the port company had previously provided space at the wharf for boat trailer parking.?“We would be happy to do that again, but we cannot do it this summer because the lower log yard is a construction site at present.