New improved ferry passenger building at Matiatia wharf

Auckland City Council can now start work to upgrade Waiheke Island’s Matiatia ferry passenger terminal and provide better facilities and comfort for passengers. Third party appeals to the Environment Court were unsuccessful.

The new 900 m2 passenger terminal building serves as the link between ferry services, existing public transport and car park facilities. The terminal will also provide shelter and comfort for passengers and those waiting to welcome people.

Councillor Greg McKeown, Auckland City Council’s Transport Committee Chairperson, says the new terminal has been designed to facilitate and maximise passenger flow and movements to and from the ferries, some 2000 passengers a day on average. “ This new facility will be great for Waiheke commuters and also visitors to the island. It’s yet another piece of the passenger transport jigsaw being put into place, another green light for Auckland passenger transport.”

Hauraki Gulf Islands Ward Councillor Faye Storer says she is pleased the project is going ahead. “It has been over 10 years since it was put forward. The current conditions at Matiatia wharf are no longer sufficient for Waiheke Island’s growing population, or for the increasing number of visitors.”

The tender process for the work started last week and the construction of the new terminal is expected to begin in June 2003. During construction, a temporary ticket office and shelter will be provided in the existing boat trailer park.

Work should be finished by the end of December 2003. The project will cost $2.8 million.

This project is entirely separate from the proposed $35 million Matiatia ground development advocated by Waitemata Infrastructure Ltd. That development is subject to a ruling by independent planning commissioners, and will not affect the ferry passenger building construction.

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