History

This proposed marina concept was originally conceived by the late Keith Robinson in the early 1980s. Investigations and various reports were completed and in 1988 Keith began preparing the Resource Consent applications to develop a Marina on the previously proposed site on the Western side of the Whakatane River.

Sadly with the passing of Keith in 1989, it was several years later before his wife, Colleen, revisited her husband’s dream and continued with preparations for marina Resource Consents.

Between 1989 and 1994 there were several major law changes in respect to Resource Consents and marinas. Consequently, much of the work previously completed by Keith had to be re-examined and further delays in the lodging of the applications ensued.

It wasn’t long before a team of local residents, who recognized the long-term benefits to both the community and boating operators alike, joined forces with Colleen to further propel the project into the planning stage and the Whakatane Marina Society Incorporated (WMS) was born. The WMS worked on the project over the next 12 years. This time was spent in investigating new sites and working with major stakeholders in the area as the original site was proven to be not practical.

In 2005/06, 60 Bunyan Rd, commonly known as the Bennett block, was indicated by all parties involved during field visits as the most suitable site for a marina development out of nine sites visited. The legal process of securing the property by Whakatane District Council (WDC) was completed in 2010 and a Memorandum of Understanding was arranged between WDC and WMS.

Through a series of meetings from 2009 to 2012, the membership voted to pass the marina project to Whakatane Marina Limited (WML) to progress the project. In late 2012 the WMS was dealt a tragic double blow when dedicated committeeman John Dreifuss and Chair Colleen Robinson passed away. The remaining committee and WML committed to completing the work started by Keith and Colleen Robinson.  

With the proposed marina site confirmed, WML began mediation in the Environment Court with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Ngati Awa and Forest and Bird, who wanted to see a biodiversity layer placed over the Orini canal, preventing access to the Whakatane River. An agreement was reached between all parties in June 2016, allowing access to the river and the land was zoned as Rural Marine.

Following the extensive mediation meetings for re-zoning, most of the ecological and cultural concerns have been met for the proposed 60 Bunyan Rd Marine Precinct site. A new business plan and budget has been completed and WML are preparing the investment/share proposal for Joint Venture (JV) partners to fund the Resource Management Act process. The initial offers to JV partners will be to local stakeholders, including WDC and Iwi.

WML looks forward to working with all stakeholders through the final stage of the project, to ensure the development of a sustainable Marine Precinct in Whakatane.

To register your interest as a Joint Venture partner, please click here.