Russell folk appear resigned to not having their wharf upgraded in time for the Rugby World Cup, despite earlier extracting a commitment from the Far North District Council.
In April a delegation from the Russell community persuaded councillors to spend more than $350,000 replacing rotten piles and revamping the wharf's southernarm by pledging to contribute $100,000 themselves by fundraising and collecting berthing fees.
They wanted the work done before the influx of visitors expected during the Rugby World Cup.
However, at the council's most recent meeting, infrastructure manager David Penny said contractors were not available ahead of the Cup and the Russell community had yet to set up a trust to handle the money promised.
"The Russell community accepts it can't be done in time for the Rugby World Cup."
Mayor Wayne Brown said the delay was not a bad outcome, because it meant the job could be done properly.
"We are going to fix Russell wharf, but now we can find out exactly what it will cost first. It's not the rush of blood we thought, but we are plodding in the right direction."
Russell Business Association chairman Riki Kinnaird acknowledged time was running out if the repairs were to be done before the World Cup, but said Russell was still committed to contributing part of the cost.
"We want to do it right. We don't want to pick a contractor who will do it in time, but the budget explodes and the quality isn't right."
If the World Cup deadline was not achievable, the Russell community wanted firm dates for the project and a proper plan so the momentum was not lost.
A lot of time had already gone into making sure the look and feel of the revamped wharf was right, down to the choice of timber.
The community was in the process of setting up a legal trust so fundraising could start in earnest. A $5000 donation had already been pledged, Mr Kinnaird said.
Once the wharf had been upgraded the trust would raise money for a revamped boatramp and a children's playground.
