Media release
6 June 2002

Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal Upgrade Funding Confirmed

Approximately $4 million dollars is to be spent upgrading the Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal in Buckland's Beach as a result of a funding decision by Infrastructure Auckland.

Infrastructure Auckland is to put $32.3 million into the purchase and improvement of the Auckland region's wharves and ferry terminals in order to encourage greater use of public transport.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis is delighted at the decision. "I've been working on this project for some time as it's clear the facilities at Half Moon Bay are second class. People deserve more. I've been pushing to have the funding made available and it's wonderful to achieve that.

"We're still finalising the detailed plans for the new facilities but the final result will be much better service to the public."

The development will see a new pier and a new terminal building being built. The terminal will extend out over the water and house ticketing facilities for Fuller's and Subritzky Lines, and offices for Subritizky Lines. Lighting, access, information services and boarding facilities will be improved, refreshments will be available and there will also be some added parking.

Sir Barry says the new facilities are bound to make ferry use more popular. "We've neglected the use of ferries in the past, but it's a great way to get around Auckland, especially for commuters who work in the CBD. Ferry operators have been improving their services out of sight but they've been let down by poor quality terminals.

"Passengers don't like being exposed to the weather or having to use shabby facilities. Once the wharf network upgrade is complete, people will have a pleasant 35-minute journey into Auckland City at low cost and with no parking or motorway hassles.

"The opportunity for a joint development at Half Moon Bay only arose last year using the Subritzky site. I've been pushing this project hard but we can now accelerate our plans because the funding's been sewn up."

The regional ferry project will link all the wharves around the Waitemata Harbour including the North Shore terminals. The Auckland Regional Transport Network
Limited will develop and manage the project for the region on behalf of the councils involved.

Sir Barry says, "This is a milestone but it's just one aspect of the much bigger improvement of transport we're undertaking. We are working hard with other councils and agencies to complete the motorway network and upgrade our bus and train services throughout the region as well. All these improvements are linked and none will be achieved in isolation.

"We cannot expect people to use public transport in greater numbers until a range of high quality services is available to them. That is our ultimate goal".

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