A Fast-track referral application was lodged in March 2025 and is awaiting a decision on whether to refer the application into the substantive phase. If the application is referred, the applicant can submit a substantive application, and an expert panel will then be appointed to consider and approve or decline the proposed marina.
The Club now has a clear mandate to advocate on behalf of its members that the proposed Waipiro Bay marina development be declined for Fast-track referral, and if the proposal is referred into Fast-track, the Club can also advocate that the expert panel decline Fast-track approval.
The Russell Boating Club was established over 50 years ago to promote boating in the Bay of Islands. The eastern Bay of Islands has long been a favourite boating destination for its members and for Kiwi and international boaties due to its pristine nature and scenic beauty. Large scale commercial development such as the proposed marina development threatens the attributes of this area that our members and maritime visitors to the Bay of Islands value.
Under Fast-track, an important maritime and tourism resource decision that will permanently affect club members and the local community will be made at a national level in a manner that bypasses substantive local community participation in the decision-making process and ignores existing long-term regional planning efforts. This resource decision is best made under a collaborative Northland and community-centric destination management approach that incorporates appropriate consideration of social, cultural, environmental and economic opportunities and challenges.
For enquiries, contact info@russellboatingclub.org.nz
