10 February 2001

Well known Auckland businessperson and sailor Penny Whiting will chair the Viaduct Advisory Board, a new “stakeholder” group set up to advise the council on issues concerning this waterfront area.

Penny Whiting has close links with the harbour, having run a sailing school in Auckland for more than 33 years.

She has written two books on learning to sail, produced a video on the subject, done extensive radio and television commentaries on the Whitbread and America’s Cup regattas, and her biography “Endless Summer” was published in September.

An Auckland City councillor for six years and a member of the community board for three years before that. In 1994, she was awarded the MBE for her services to sailing.

Penny Whiting says she is looking forward to her new role as chair. “These are exciting times in the development and management of this area. Among my concerns are being sure the public can continue to have access to much of the waterfront area as possible, and that the essential character of the harbour is maintained.”

Meanwhile Auckland City Mayor Chris Fletcher welcomes the appointment, which was confirmed at the council’s meeting last night (Feb 8).

“Penny is passionate about sailing and I know she shares Aucklanders’ love for the waterfront. Members of the Viaduct Advisory Board have an important part to play in ensuring the harbour is managed in the best way for the benefit of the city. Penny Whiting has good appreciation of the economic value of the harbour to the city and I welcome her insight as chair of this group.”

Establishing the Viaduct Advisory Board was one of the outcomes of two “think tank” sessions on management of the Viaduct Harbour, held by the council mid-last year and attended by a wide range of interested businesses and individuals.

The board – which meets later this month for the first time – includes representatives from Defence 2003, America’s Cup Village Ltd, Viaduct Harbour Holdings Ltd, Ports of Auckland Ltd, Tourism Auckland, the marine industry, harbour residents, businesses of the area and Iwi.

For more information please contact:
Penny Whiting, chair, Viaduct Advisory Board, telephone 025 810 493.
Chris Fletcher, the Mayor of Auckland City, telephone 307 7585.

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