Auckland’s recreational boating scene is booming, but access to responsible haul-out facilities in the heart of the city has never been worse. Since the closure of the Ōkahu Bay haul-out yard in 2022, over 4,000 boats in the Waitematā Harbour have had nowhere local to go for antifouling and hull maintenance.
Now, a community-led proposal from the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) is calling for a practical solution: reopening the facility on a seasonal, volunteer-run basis, and they’re asking for your support before the final decision lands this month.
Why it matters
Without a central Auckland haul-out option, boaties have been forced to travel far afield just to clean their hulls. That movement increases the risk of spreading invasive marine pests like Mediterranean fanworm, caulerpa, and Northern Pacific sea star. These species threaten native marine life, shellfish beds, aquaculture, and the broader ecosystem of the Hauraki Gulf and Tīkapa Moana.
The environmental risk isn’t theoretical. It’s growing. Experts and regional bodies have warned that increased boat movement between contaminated and clean regions can accelerate the spread of these pests. Local haul-out yards provide a vital first line of defence.
A practical, proven model
NZMYC’s proposal would see the haul-out yard reopen between May and December each year, avoiding peak waka ama and dinghy use over summer. There are no plans for major redevelopment or expansion. Just smart use of existing, ratepayer-funded infrastructure, run by volunteers and backed by local knowledge.
“It may be small, but it’s smart, effective and community driven. A real example of the little yard that could.”— Adrian Percival, Commodore, NZMYC
The model has precedent. Similar community-led haul-out facilities in other parts of New Zealand have proven environmentally sound and economically efficient.
Support from the sailing community
The proposal has already received strong support from across the marine sector, including:
- Olympic gold medallist Bruce Kendall
- The Harbourmaster
- Multiple local boating clubs
- More than 1,600 public submissions, with 64 percent in favour of restoring haul-out capability
The site is also home to waka ama, sailing dinghies, educational programmes and community events. NZMYC has pledged to work collaboratively with these user groups to ensure the yard serves everyone.
What you can do
The final decision rests with the Ōrākei Local Board, who will meet on Wednesday 17 July. The boating community has a rare opportunity to influence a practical outcome that supports clean boating, biosecurity and local access.
Want to help?
- Email your support: orakeilocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- Show up in person:3:00pm, Wednesday 17 JulySt Chad’s Church and Community Centre, 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns
A clean harbour, a stronger community
Ōkahu Bay could once again serve as a hub for responsible boating in Auckland. It protects our waters, enables self-managed maintenance, and shows that grassroots solutions still matter.
As Auckland continues to call itself the City of Sails, ensuring that basic infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of boaties is more important than ever. This is one of those rare win-win opportunities.
Let’s not let it slip away.
