Mooring dolphin on Queens Wharf
As the city’s regeneration agency, Panuku, on behalf of Auckland Council, has lodged an application for a mooring dolphin on Queens Wharf to enable the future growth of the cruise industry in Auckland.
A dolphin is a marine structure that extends into the sea above the water level. In the context of this proposal, two concrete structures would sit in the sea bed and connect back to Queens Wharf with a walkway. These would sit at 49m and 82m north of the northern end of the wharf.
Current cruise ship facilities do not adequately provide for the requirements of the cruise industry to operate a quality, efficient and safe service when visiting Auckland. This means the potential benefits associated with the cruise industry including those arising from economic gain to Auckland are compromised. Right now, our primary cruise berth – Queens Wharf – can only allow cruise ships up to 295m long to berth. Larger ships such as Ovation of the Seas, which is 350m long, can’t fit.
The story so far
In July 2018, Panuku lodged an application for a mooring dolphin on Queens Wharf.
On 10 September 2018, the application was notified for the public to have their say. Submissions closed on 10 November 2018.
As part of the resource consent process, a report by an independent planner included a recommendation that the application is turned down.
This is a normal step in the consenting process and provided the applicant (Panuku) with an opportunity to respond and provide further evidence to a panel of independent commissioners. The application, report and all other information relating to the proposal was assessed at a hearing held 18 February - 8 March.
What happens next?
A decision is expected 15 working days after the hearing completion date (8 March).
The application for a mooring dolphin has been lodged with the intention of delivering the structure in time for the 2019/20 cruise season, providing a boost to the $185 million and 3,000 local jobs the cruise industry adds to the region’s economy.
If approved, the project will build on the vision for Queens Wharf as a public waterfront space, a hub for major events and infrastructure for the cruise industry.
Our growing cruise ship industry provides significant economic benefits to Auckland businesses; last year cruise ships transported nearly 270,000 passengers directly to the heart of our city. The $185 million that passengers and the cruise industry are expected to spend will range across the retail, food and beverage, and accommodation sectors, on tour and attraction operators, and on provisioned goods and services.
As Auckland gears up to host the 36th America’s Cup, the dolphin will help make the most of the upgraded Shed 10 cruise terminal to welcome more international cruise ship visitors.
For more background on the proposal click here
Find the resource consent for the mooring dolphin here
