Updated: 19 September 2025 after discussions with representatives of the Russell Boating Club.
The proposed $100m-plus Waipiro Bay marina in the Bay of Islands has been accepted into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals process — but developers have yet to confirm whether they will proceed.
As the Northern Advocate recently reported, Azuma Property and Hopper Developments now have two years to submit a full application for the 250-berth project. Plans include a public boat ramp, fuelling and commercial services, and space for up to 14 superyachts.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has highlighted potential economic gains, estimating $177–218 million in added GDP as an aggregate over a 30-year period (most reporting does not account for the 30-year period), and 45 construction jobs over a two-year construction period (often counted as 90 jobs; these are only short-term jobs with the number of long-term jobs much smaller in number.)
However, officials and iwi submitters have flagged significant issues, including environmental risks within the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary, biosecurity concerns over invasive caulerpa, and questions around whether demand justifies another marina given existing capacity.
The developers remain interested but are still weighing up whether to advance the proposal.
Read the full update in the Northern Advocate: Bay of Islands marina fast-tracked but developers yet to commit.
