Whangarei Town basin gets more boat berths

Whangarei's Town Basin marina is undergoing a major upgrade.

Work done at the marina over the past month has seen 25 old pile berths removed and replaced by a new pontoon that can hold 22 boats.

Marina manager Brian Caulton said the new berths were extra wide. "We lose three berths but we gain a lot bigger and better boats."

With only electrical work remaining to be done on the project, the new pontoon will receive its first boat today.

Mr Caulton said the whole project, which cost about $350,000, had been paid for by savings and the marina trust had not had to borrow any money.

The new pontoon was part of an ongoing project to upgrade the marina's facilities. Mr Caulton, who recently returned from a promotional tour in Tahiti, said Whangarei Town Basin marina was held in high esteem by international yachties.

"People love it. They get here and they go 'wow'. They've got everything so close, parts, maintenance, people who know what they're doing and so it's a real bonus."

"Most marinas aim to fill all their berths and then if they've got any spare when visitors come they'll use them.

"But we consider it's a big industry for Whangarei so we need berths open for the international visitors. So we may take a little bit of a hit in the winter time but it's a big benefit to the whole town." Mr Caulton said an annual berth at the marina cost about $4700, while a one month stay would cost about $650.