Submission 2: Draft Auckland Plan

New ferry services at Takapuna I note the idea of a ferry service from Browns Bay, Takapuna through an into Auckland City has been included in the transport planning map. This idea has been around for many years and has had some supporters particularly before the Northern Busway and its extensive feeder bus service network was built. As former Chair of North Shore City Council’s Infrastructure Ctte, and of ARC’s Transport Cttes I would like to bring to Council’s attention these points: Before the Harbour Bridge was built, these places needed ferry services, because there were few alternative transport options to get to Auckland CBD. That changed when the bridge was built. Public attitudes to development on beaches has changed since the days of every beach having a wharf. The public want their East Coast Bays beaches kept free from development and activities which detract from the natural environment and peace and quiet. There will always be some who would like economic development opportunities that come with wharves, but I believe these desires are in the minority. Ferry services need to justify their costs. That means that patronage needs to be at a level that justifies the costs of building wharves and landside services - including car parking. The Devonport ferry service is successful in part because about 300 car parks are within a short walk of the ferry. That is not the case at Takapuna where parking space is at a premium, and much of it is valued by recreational boaties. A Takapuna ferry service would not be economic, and car parking would be insufficient. Significant investment has already occurred for Takapuna public transport services, especially to the Auckland CBD. These include the Busway, Takapuna Bus Station and buslanes, and Akoranga bus station. These services provide a 20 minute service between Takapuna and Auckland at nominal cost. Ferry from Takapuna to Auckland CBD would take around 30 minutes minimum (takes 12 minutes from Devonport), and cost more than a bus trip. Takapuna Beach is exposed to North Easterly wind conditions which is one reason it is a popular surfing break on several occasions each year. This suggests that Takapuna would struggle to provide regular “all weather services”. It is not sheltered. While engineers may be able to “build anything” such structures have their own adverse effects on views and recreational water. In my view the economic case for a Takapuna/CBD ferry service has not been made. It is a nice to have, but it is not a need to have. I would also remind Council of the very significant fight that would be fought with Takapuna residents and beach users should necessary consents be sought for an infrastructure required. This is not a high priority project.

Submission 2: Delete the Takapuna Ferry service proposal from the plan of works.