Watch the sunset from Westhaven’s new public space

11 August 2023

Westhaven
News

This article is from August 2023 and provides context on proposed (at the time) upgrades of Westhaven Marina.

If you prefer to read about the LATEST information on the BERTHS AND PUBLIC SPACE project, please click here.

“You know you’re in Auckland when you can watch a boat race right on the doorstep of the city centre".
Eke Panuku Head of Marinas,
Kevin Lidgard

Eke Panuku is investing $23.6m to develop more berths and a new public space in Westhaven.

We are now focussed on constructing the new car park and open space, and adding an extension to the award-winning Westhaven Promenade boardwalk along the southern side of the reclamation.

Kevin Lidgard, Auckland boating royalty and Eke Panuku Head of Marinas, remembers when crowds would pack out the seawall at the marina to watch the start of Westhaven’s Friday night yacht club races.

“You know you’re in Auckland when you can watch a boat race right on the doorstep of the city centre. Westhaven is one of the city’s most popular icons and I consider myself very lucky to have this place as one of my offices,” he says.

With the vision that once again Westhaven will be a magical spot to watch the races, the sunset, or the harbour bridge light shows from Eke Panuku, investing $23.6m to develop more berths and a new public space in Westhaven.

This is all part of the 30-year master plan in place for how the area and marina will be developed. It outlines regeneration both on land and over water, and has drawn on detailed consultation with both local and boating communities.

Over the past three years, new, larger berths, which are in hot demand from boaties, have been built off the new headland at the northern end of the marina.

“With Westhaven Marina’s pontoon berths operating at almost full capacity, there is a growing demand for new walk aboard berths in Auckland,” says Kevin.

“Westhaven’s northern edge has just been a rock wall up until now. Along with the new floating berths and extending the public walkway to the end of the reclaimed area, we’re providing additional car parking, and more green space where people can enjoy getting close to the water.”

Eke Panuku is now focussed on constructing the new car park and open space, and is in the process of adding an extension to the award-winning and much-loved Westhaven Promenade boardwalk along the southern side of the reclamation.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time down here when summer rolls around again,” says Kevin. “It should be all done and ready to visit by the end of this year.”

Here's an interesting interview with Eke Panuku Head of Marinas, Kevin Lidgard in which he discusses his life long maritime connection and recalls, among other things, his grandmother fishing from a lazy boy in her lounge.

A city of neighbourhoods · We talk with Kevin Lidgard, Head of Marinas, about he and his family’s life long maritime connection

About Westhaven Marina

Auckland Council-owned marinas provide world-class facilities for recreational boating, fishing, tourism and the marine industry. The marinas also enable the public to enjoy access and views along the water’s edge.

Westhaven Marina is the largest marina in the southern hemisphere, with over 1,800 boats, four yacht clubs, a variety of marine business and hospitality establishments, a refuelling facility, fishing charters, a public boat ramp, ‘learn to sail’ programmes, and many other facilities.

Silo Marina provides berths for superyachts and is within walking distance of a major marine supplies and chandlery cluster, offering the chance for refit and servicing opportunities.

Viaduct Marina is a boutique inner-city marina catering for superyachts and smaller vessels up to 50 metres and is one of only two Auckland marina’s that can provide customs clearance for boats over 24m.