Buy a piece of the revamped Russell Wharf

Anyone still looking for a novel Christmas present - one which involves bragging rights via a plaque in a public place - can now buy a piece of the revamped Russell Wharf.

The wharf is a lifeline to the Bay of Islands tourist town but is in increasingly dire need of repairs. The town's business community also wants it upgraded so cruise ship tender boats have the option of berthing in Russell, instead of having to unload passengers at Waitangi or Paihia.

When it became clear the cash-strapped Far North District Council was unlikely to stump up the $300,000-plus cost, a group of

Russell residents got together and offered to contribute $100,000.

So far the Russell Wharf and Waterfront Trust has raised $25,000 through donations and a fundraising cruise, and is now putting pieces of the revamped wharf up for sponsorship.

Anyone who sponsors part of the wharf gets a plaque bearing his or her name - or, if it's a gift, the name of the recipient - mounted in public view.

Trust member and Russell service station owner John Moolenschot said about 250 boardwalk plaques were up for grabs at $100 each with 15 sold so far.

The 14 "greenheart" fender piles that needed replacing were available for sponsorship at $500 apiece; while all three of the major dolphin piles, at $1000 each, had been snapped up. The plaques would be mounted on the new boardwalk or piles with sponsors also getting a certificate.

Mr Moolenschot said the trust aimed to raise $150,000 for the wharf redevelopment, a waterfront playground and an upgraded boat ramp.

The Russell community's partnership with the council to improve a public asset was a first for New Zealand and would benefit all visitors to the Bay, he said.

The project involved raising the boardwalk by 700mm, bringing it to almost the same level as the main part of the wharf; replacing all greenheart fender piles under the boardwalk; and constructing a new 5x10m concrete pontoon for cruise ship tenders.

The council had committed to paying $268,000 and the Russell community $100,000.

Sponsorship forms are available at the Russell service station and the information centre on Russell wharf. Go to www.russellwharf.co.nz for more information.