July, August and September are the best months to get out to Tiritiri Matangi Island because the wattle is flowering and the bellbirds are in full cry. The ferry runs Thursday to Sunday. There is a shop selling cold drinks and souvenirs, but not food. Dogs are not allowed and
craft should be checked for lurking rodents and boots for weed seeds. Guided walks can be arranged by phoning 09 476 0010 or while booking through Fullers.
Oliver Marine
The feature on the Oliver boat-building family on this page on June 29 did not make the situation clear regarding the creditors of Oliver Marine International Limited (in liquidation) when the business was restructured. Not all creditors will be covered once the liquidation is completed. Rozanna Waiari, from Rosewald Hart, the Te Puke accountancy company handling the liquidation, says the process of winding up the company is proceeding and should be completed in the next few weeks. At that stage all unsecured creditors will receive a final dividend.
Training lead
New Zealand is leading the world in the race to create a skilled boat-building workforce. Boating Industries Association chief executive Peter Busfield says Germany and Sweden have just 150 apprentices out of a work force of around 7000; Australia with an industry total of 9000 has fewer than 200; and Britain, with 10 per cent of worldwide boat production and a workforce of 25,000, has just 300 apprentices. New Zealand, with a marine workforce of 4500, has 470 apprentices.
WaterWatch
The Clearwater Cove Yacht Club (sailing out of the Westpark Marina) is into its Sunday winter series. Start time is 1300 hours through to Race 14 on closing day, September 8, when kick-off is 1000. Weekend activity includes:
Saturday: Winter series racing continues (RNZYS and VCC).
Sunday: Short-handed winter series (RYC); Winter series (BBYC); Canterbury two-handed and open boats series (RAYC).
* Clubs and organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on 0800 80 60 40.
