The newly opened Ōpua Bay of Islands Swordfishing Club overlooks the Ōpua Wharf at the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
The newly opened Ōpua Bay of Islands Swordfishing Club overlooks the Ōpua Wharf at the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
After nearly a decade, the Ōpua Bay of Islands Swordfish Club has officially opened its new clubrooms, giving locals, boaties and visitors a new waterfront space to eat, drink and connect.
The opening was marked last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, amoment club manager Ross Brljevich described as special for everyone involved.
“It made it more special. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to come and open the club – it was just fabulous having him there.”
The building was originally a library at Massey University’s Albany campus and was relocated north.
From there, members rolled up their sleeves, volunteering their time and skills to reassemble and refurbish what is now a new space.
Brljevich said it was a team effort and many people put their hands up over the years.
“One of our members, Rod Haynes from Haynes House Haulage, transported the building up here. And then a lot of our members have volunteered time and done stuff at cost for us to put it all back together and refurbish it. So, we’ve pretty much got a brand-new building.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was there to cut the ribbon.
He said the club first started discussing the Ōpua site in 2016 and a decision was made that clubrooms were needed in the marina.
Since the opening, Brljevich said they have been busy and feedback from members and the community has been overwhelming.
“We’ve been run off our feet since Friday. Everybody that’s come in there has been over the moon on the site, the building, the meals, the service. It’s just been nothing but positive feedback.”
He said there will be some changes, particularly to the menu, by the chef who has become a local hero recently.
“There’s a story out there about a local hero that saved some kids’ lives and everything at the Kai Iwi lakes.
“That guy is our chef, and he comes with a vast amount of experience. He’s been cooking in Russia and the UK. He’s our chef, and we’ve got a fabulous menu.”
In a post, Luxon said he was happy to have been there to open the venue.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the club would be a great hub for Northlanders.
“Ōpua is an iconic spot. So, it was great to officially open the brand-new Bay of Islands Swordfish Club there. This will be a great hub for Northlanders. It’s a project that’s boosted jobs and it’ll generate its part for the economy.”
