A letter published in Rodney Times July 2011

Regarding the article on the marina proposal

When Dr. Roger Grace mentioned Goldsworthy Bay (July 12 Rodney Times), I remembered having heard it mentioned some time ago,

I had looked it up on the web, and found that it is a much more impressive site than I had ever imagined. The bay, along with its deep harbour, has open space and distant views. It is located only 2.5 nautical miles from Kawau Island and 30 nautical miles from Auckland. This spot would be an excellent stopping point for sailors going to the Bay of Islands, Auckland, or points beyond.

With a deep harbour there would be no need for ongoing dredging that would ensue if the marina were to be located at Sandspit.

Goldsworthy Bay could have a new wider, safer and easier access road and eliminate the ongoing extensive/expensive maintenance and repairs (which at present is substantial) that the road to the ferry requires.

Why then, with an alternative like that, would someone want to develop a marina at the end of a narrow winding road which is known to have slips and has one section supported by piers rather than solid ground?

Goldsworthy Bay would have a much greater potential as a world class venue instead of Sandspit’s confined harbour with its chronic parking problems and other challenges..

Goldsworthy Bay even has a luxury lodge which has sweeping sea views and a helipad on site . This would be a bonus for people who don’t want to spend all their time together on their boat, allowing other leisure activities for families or groups such as swimming, hiking or just relaxing on the beach.

Sandspit does offer nearby accommodation within walking distance in the camping ground, but for someone used to the luxury of a large yacht, a beautiful modern lodge nearby could be more to their taste.

Sandspit is a confined area that is crowded in the summertime. The yacht club is small, dated, and has limited views, plus the beach in the camping ground is certainly not what one would call “world class”.

To those people who are in favour of a marina at Sandspit, I’d like to say this: The current yacht club was built 50 years ago when the population of the area was small. Now cast your mind to 2050 or beyond. The population of this beautiful area will certainly continue to grow. If Sandspit Road is fragile now, how will it bear up in the future? Goldsworthy Bay could offer a new start for a marina which could carry on successfully for the next 50 years and be a better investment in the future of yachting in this area.

Reference: Proposed District Plan Chapter 12 -

Special 10 (Goldsworthy Bay Marine Recreation) Zone

(www.rodney.govt.nz/.../Proposed.../DP_chapter_12_special_zones10.pdf)

Penny Barrott

Sandspit