Media release protest – 1

18 March 2015

Aucklanders to protest wharf extensions

The group opposing Ports of Auckland’s extensions to Bledisloe Wharf is expecting more than 100 boats on the harbour at a maritime protest on Sunday (March 22) at 3.30pm.

The fleet will support a similar land-based demonstration on Queens Wharf as part of a campaign by the Stop Stealing Our Harbour group to get the port company to stop work on the extensions.

The on-the-water protest has the support of major boating organisations including the Auckland Yachting & Boating Association, 96 per cent of the surveyed members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and other boating groups and identities.

The two-finger extensions to Bledisloe Wharf will project 100m in to the Waitemata Harbour and construction is due to begin next month (April).

Stop Stealing Our Harbour says the extensions will completely block the view from Queens Wharf to the outer harbour, one of the most significant views on the Auckland waterfront and one that ratepayers have just spent $40 million on.

It says no further expansion of the port should happen until Auckland Mayor Len Brown honours his promise to fully scrutinise the port’s plans.

Spokesperson Michael Goldwater says in August 2013 the mayor announced an intention to commission a study - commonly referred to as ‘stage 2’ - to look at the long-term future of the Auckland port.

“We are still awaiting that study.”

Mr Goldwater says resource consents for the wharf extensions were issued secretly and without any public notification or public consultation by Auckland Council.

This week the group has taken out a full page advertisement in the NZ Herald newspaper containing an open letter to the port company urging it halt all expansion work.

The letter has been signed by leading community, business, sporting and local body identities including Sir Stephen Tindall and Sir Peter Blake’s widow Pippa and his brother Tony.

Stop Stealing Our Harbour protest details:

What: Maritime and land protest against Bledisloe Wharf extensions by Ports of Auckland

When: 3.30pm, Sunday March 22

Where: On the water muster opposite Bledisloe Wharf and then proceed past Queens Wharf – listen on Channel 27 VHS

On Queens Wharf public gathering at 3.30pm

Who: Opponents to ports land grab including Auckland boating groups

About Stop Stealing Our Harbour:

Stop Stealing Our Harbour wants Ports of Auckland to halt all work on Bledisloe Wharf extensions until a complete Stage 2 study is complete. It is an advocacy group comprising representatives of boating, political, business, and professional organisations as well as lawyers and architects.

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