Feedback sought on new Māpua boat ramp plan

Māpua’s new boat ramp is one step closer to construction with public submissions on the project’s resource consent application now open.

Boat ramp project coordinator Trevor Marshall says the last 18 months have been spent commissioning reports and getting to the stage of notification.

“We’re hoping that once we’ve gone through the process of the resource consent and we are successful on that, then we will start in earnest on our fundraising.”

The $3 million project is not only hoped to provide easy access to the water for boaties, but will also see the construction of a community marine centre.

The “absolutely top-class” building will have four main bays, with two proposed to be allocated for the Tamaha Sea Scouts, one for ocean rowing groups, and one to remain as a community meeting space.

“This is a great way of getting multiple groups using the facility rather than having it just set aside for one, so it gets constant use,” Trevor says.

“The community seriously wants it, particularly in relation to providing facilities for young people.”

Tamaha Sea Scouts assistant group leader, Jesse Loader, says a new building will bring several benefits for the group, which is currently spread between two facilities – one on the wharf and one down the road at the Māpua Domain.

During the summer months, the scouts are located on the waterfront while the younger kea and cubs groups are located at the domain.

“If the new building went ahead, it would mean the whole group would be placed down at the waterfront,” he says.

“It’s the consolidation and it’s that connection with the water too. Being a sea scouts group, it’s not all about sailing, it’s about looking after your coastline as well through a natural connection there.”

The scouts are one of the few groups with easy access to the old boat ramp by the wharf. However, it can be a difficult location to launch boats, especially in peak times.

Moving to the new facility would make it easier for the scouts to manoeuvre their boats without disturbing others.

“The main thing is accessibility, giving them more opportunities to get out [on the water].”

A proper boat workshop and changing rooms would also improve the experience of being a sea scout for the kids.

Māpua Boat Club commodore Andrew Butler says he’s “thrilled” the consent application has been notified “after 15 years of hard work”.

“[It’s] a huge milestone for the boating community.”

He adds that a door-to-door survey made last year saw “wide community support” for the plan, with 87 per cent of local households in support of the plan.

“We look forward to having a consent granted.”

Submissions on the application are open until 26 February. Go here to make a submission.