Boat owners’ bid for better deal

Local boaties are being burned when it comes to marina costs, it is being claimed.

Picton marina tenant Andy Walter is hoping to lobby council for a fairer deal for local owners who he says are being “squeezed out.”

The move is being backed by other disgruntled boaties who believe marina operator Port Marlborough NZ should consider giving locals a better deal.

But with marina fees in-line with other marinas across the country and profits going back to the community via council, Port Marlborough say all the region benefits.

Andy, who has been a marina tenant in the region for almost 25 years, says he has no problem with Port Marlborough making a profit.

But it shouldn’t be at the expense of ratepayers who own it.

“As a local and a ratepayer, I’m concerned by the prices now being asked for marina spaces in the Marlborough region.

“Port Marlborough are a rate payer owned and funded company yet charge locals exactly the same as anyone from other regions.”

Port Marlborough operates all marinas in Marlborough and is owned by Marlborough District Council through its company MDC Holdings.

The marinas provide facilities including marina berths, boatsheds and secure compound parking for more than 1,500 vessels.

Figures supplied by Port Marlborough show 60 per cent of their berth holder customer base are Marlburians.

“We do have waiting lists for facilities – boating in the Sounds is very popular for both locals and kiwis from further afield.

“We work through these and allocate on a chronological basis so it’s fair for everyone,” a spokesperson says.

Port Marlborough sponsor a range of community initiatives including Picton Environment Centre, Picton Maritime Festival, Havelock Mussel Festival, the Picton Foodbank and all academic prizes for local colleges.

“We consistently drive success for Marlborough, and our marinas not only facilitate recreational boating, but also some of Marlborough’s key industries.”

Andy owns a 45ft vessel, Miss Portage, a former Queen Charlotte Sound ferry built in 1942 which he is restoring.

It is docked on a pole berth in Picton Marina which he pays $300 a month for, a $68 dollar increase from last year.

There is currently a two-year waiting list for pontoon berths, with no preference given to locals, Andy says.

“Could Port Marlborough develop part of their pontoons for local boats that are not multi-million gin palaces?”

Andy says there is also a $25 a day charge on top of regular berth fees to use the marina’s maintenance berth which he uses once or twice a week.

Older, historic vessels like his are already an attraction for marina visitors.

A purpose-built pontoon to showcase older vessels could be a successful addition, he says.

“They don’t look after people who have been paying for years. It’s a good earner and maybe there’s room in the Port Marlborough business plan to look after us locals.

“I’m not talking free here or a massive discount, but looking after the council’s bread and butter, the ratepayers.”