MEDIA ADVISORY
3 December 2003

Matiatia terminal ready for the busiest period of the year

The Matiatia passenger terminal has been delayed by two months and should now be completed in February 2004, with an official opening in March 2004.

Auckland City says that the completion of the work has been delayed for the following reasons:
- the location of the existing pile structures supporting the wharf did not line up with the structural steel of the support of the building. It was not possible to verify this position until the Fullers' office was removed. Drawings were altered to suit the exact position of the pile heads
- council had to redesign the concession spaces to accommodate the operating requirements of users
- the wharf extension foundations (link between new and old wharves) needed to be redesigned due to unsuitable sea bed conditions for piling
- Christmas and New Year break
- unsuitable weather conditions.

However, council and the building contractor have been working closely to ensure that the most appropriate level of services for all passengers going to Waiheke Island will be available during the busy Christmas and New Year period:
- a large amount of the covered waiting area will be available to protect passengers from possible bad weather
- hoardings will be removed along the terminal’s walkway to provide additional walking space and view the work progress
- fabric canopy will be erected over walkway to provide additional shelter to the public
- roofing over rear of Fuller's temporary office will be added to allow for additional ticketing facilities through rear windows.

The new passenger terminal building will provide better facilities and comfort for passengers (including large covered waiting areas, full cover from the road to the ferries, upgraded ticketing amenities and concession opportunities, public toilets, coast guard and first aid rooms and passenger freight handling facilities).

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