The Westhaven Marina Users' Association will act to secure Westhaven as a public park for all Aucklanders. The aim is to create a charitable trust similar to the one responsible for Half Moon Bay. The association's resolution says: "Purchasing Westhaven and locking it into a perpetual trust for the benefit
and use of all the region's residents will significantly address the public concerns that have arisen since the Ports of Auckland announced it would sell the marina which in essence has been a regional public park since 1924." Check the association's website for details and to register support.
Oceans update
A keynote address during the Fort Lauderdale boat show on October 31 will be given by David Rockefeller jnr, of the Pew Oceans Commission. Rockefeller will argue the case for changes in ocean policy to protect the marine ecosystem.
Safety site
WaterSafe Auckland Inc, the organisation responsible for delivering and initiating water safety services in the Auckland region, has gone on line. www.watersafe.org.nz lists all the services WAI provides, including the two newest 2002-03 campaigns, the Watersafe Policy for Schools and the Rainbow system for effective supervision of groups of children in the water. A wide range of safety information can also be downloaded from the site.
Water-Watch
Most of the activity on the water this weekend will be generated out of the Viaduct Harbour. The Radio Sport Expo runs from 10am to 6pm daily, with activities on, in and even under the water. From taking a kid fishing to checking out the latest in diving gear, the expo organisers promise to have the Basin buzzing all weekend. Harbourmaster James McPetrie has lifted the speed restriction to allow powerboats, jet-skis and other craft to be demonstrated for and trailed by would-be boaters
* Clubs or organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070. The new 24-hour response number for the RC Maritime Unit is (09) 362 0397.
