Whangarei's Town Basin marina is so popular with overseas yachties that plans are afoot for another 12 berths.
The Whangarei Harbour Marina Management Trust, which leases and manages the marina on behalf of ratepayers, has applied to Whangarei District Council for a loan to extend a pontoon on the city side
of the Town Basin by 48 metres.
The council's community funding and liaison committee meets on Wednesday to consider the application, but council staff have recommended that the committee approve an eight-year interest-free loan of up to $200,000.
Marina manager Brian Caulton said independent studies showed visiting yachties pumped about $20 million a year into Whangarei's economy and the marina was very popular with boaties from overseas.
Mr Caulton said it was getting to the point where overseas yachties could have to be turned away as the trust was having difficulty meeting the demand for berths.
The Town Basin has about 200 berths, with many taken up by permanent or semi-permanent yachties, and last season more than 125 yachties tied up at the marina. Whangarei is seen as the perfect spot to shelter from the Pacific storm season.
"We want to extend the existing pontoon (on the town side) by about 84 metres toward Hihiaua Reserve," he said.
"It will add another 12 berths, but also give us the chance to provide better facilities to existing and visiting yachties. And more (overseas) yachties means more money coming into the town."
It is estimated that extending the pontoon would cost about $160,000, but up to $200,000 has been asked for to cover any cost overruns. The trust will also have to pay $37,260 to dredge the harbour around the site of the extension. The extra berths would have electrical and plumbing facilities.
