Waipiro Marina is designed to provide more than 200 berths along with associated marine facilities and general services. The proposal includes a public boat ramp, trailer parking, a fuel dock, and a retail and commercial hub. These facilities aim to serve both local and visiting boaters while enhancing the economic and social vitality of the eastern Bay of Islands and Northland.

The final design is still being worked on, however Waipiro Marina will cater to a range of vessel sizes, from 10m to over 30m.

We are still in the early stages of planning this development. Pricing will be available once we are able to better determine the cost to deliver this unique offering. In the meantime, please register your interest to stay up to date with any news and updates.

Sustainability is a key focus. The marina will be developed using best-practice construction methods to minimise environmental disturbance. Once established, it will provide a controlled, monitored environment for vessels, helping to manage contaminants, monitor water quality, and reduce the impact of unregulated swing moorings. In some of our previous marine projects, improved launching facilities have led to the restoration of shellfish beds and bird life in nearby coastal areas.

Beyond providing a safe and modern boating facility, Waipiro Marina will create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance tourism opportunities. It will also ease congestion at existing launch sites, reduce beach launching impacts, and offer essential services such as fuel and Coastguard support.

This facility will compliment other boat launching facilities in the Bay of Islands. More specifically in the Eastern Bay of Islands it will help to reduce the demand on Rawhiti, Te Uenga Bay, Russell, and Tapeka Point launching facilities by providing a high-quality all-tide alternative that is able to be used year-round and in any weather.

We have submitted a Fast Track referral application for the Waipiro Marina project. As part of this process, a team of specialist consultants has been engaged across a range of disciplines to ensure all aspects of the development are addressed in full alignment with New Zealand’s compliance codes and legal requirements.

It’s important to emphasise that seeking a Fast Track pathway is not about bypassing due process, but rather recognising the scale and significance of a project like this—where timing, cost-efficiency, and demand are key factors. The Fast Track process still requires comprehensive consultation, robust research, and detailed reporting before any approvals are granted.

The Fast Track process, established by the 2024 Act, provides a streamlined "one-stop-shop" for approving projects that offer significant national or regional benefits, ensuring quicker delivery.

Unlike traditional approaches often requiring multiple, separate consents, Fast Track consolidates these. An independent Expert Panel, with relevant specialist knowledge, reviews a single comprehensive application, makes the approval decision, and sets any necessary conditions. This typically leads to faster outcomes than lengthy traditional processes.

Key benefits include the timely progress of important projects, bolstering New Zealand's development. While broad public submission rounds are different, the process mandates consultation with key groups like local authorities, iwi, and directly affected stakeholders, ensuring their input is considered by the Expert Panel.

Crucially, environmental considerations remain paramount. Expert Panels thoroughly assess environmental reports and can impose strict conditions to manage and mitigate impacts responsibly.

The Fast Track is designed to balance efficient, expert-led decision-making with necessary safeguards, allowing vital projects to proceed for New Zealand's benefit.