Author Archives: craigdfahey

Lagarosiphon Control Efforts

Ongoing efforts continue to manage the Lagarosiphon outbreak in Lake Wanaka and around the Marina.

The Board and operations team have been actively pursuing weed management solutions and have been pushing to get contractors on site ASAP. We hope to see this happen in February if conditions allow.

We are also working to create awareness of the scale of the problem with council, as much of Roys Bay has a significant Lagarosiphon bloom, and and efforts to rid the marina of the weed need to be part of a larger coordinated program to ensure any possibility of long term success.

Video from Craig’s recent dive assessment below.

More to come..

 

January Board Meeting Update

On Monday the 30th of January all the board members were present together with the company secretary to discuss the following subjects relating to Wanaka Marina.
Craig Fahey has completed the essential maintenance at the Southern end of the Marina. The time and materials required went over the maintenance budget but there was sufficient funds to cope with this. There are no anticipated large projects in the next 12 months but this very much depends on the weather.
The time of year has come when we need to review and request quotes for insurance cover. As stated in previous years only one company QBE were prepared to insure the Marina. We are approaching AON, Vision, (current brokers) and Marsh( Frankton Marina brokers) to find the best possible policy for us. Efforts are also being made to obtain an idea of the cost of replacement of the Marina for a new and modern structure which may assist us in the future.
It is hoped that work will commence in February 2023 to remove as much of the silt that has built up between the inside of the Marina and the new boardwalk. Craig is working closely with the earth movers to get this completed. Conditions, with the level being so low are good and hopefully will improve with the dry weather we are experiencing.
Still nothing from QLDC regarding the hand rail for the pathway entrance. This may be to our advantage as access to the lake is required for the removal of the silt.
The Lagarosiphon continues to grow and spread, not just around the Marina but the entire lake. Although we are actively trying to get this dealt with there is only one company for the whole of New Zealand that is able to deliver the treatment and they are in high demand. Again we are hoping it will be undertaken in February.
The financials are are looking healthy. Enquiries are underway with our legal advisor regarding the FMC and our ability to become exempt from annual auditing. This is proving to be a complex issue but we hope to have an answer soon.
The Coastguard vessel will be leaving the Marina soon for its more permanent home at Eely point. This follows the sale of berth 16. Berth 78 also sold and the returns for the owners were very good. please remember WML are there to assist with your sales and rentals at anytime. Details are available on the website of any current sales.
During the summer there were no Health and Safety issues reported or any complaints of damage or theft from the Marina. This we believe is due to Craig’s presence and planning as we aim to keep the site hazard free and up to date with maintenance issues. Please remember he is always available for advice and the supply of ropes and fenders.
The next board meeting is due on the 17th of March when another update will be made available.
Mike Barker
Chair

December update for Wanaka Marina

Thank you to those of you that attended the AGM on the 27th of November or sent in your proxy forms. The Marina could not continue without your help and input. For those unable to attend if you would like a copy of the Annual report please get in touch with us.
Since then, there have been a few items I would like to update you with.
ACCESS
The footpath has now been laid but the contractors did not order the handrails in time so we can expect them sometime after the new year.
WEED
An inspection of the invasive Lagarosiphon weed was conducted by the experts on Wednesday the 30th of November. There is now only one contractor available for treatment of the weed in New Zealand and they are unlikely to be available until February 2023. WML remain committed to getting the weed eradicated and with the increase of the budget available to QLDC will be trying to recover some if not all of the costs.
POWER
There has been a change in the legislation regarding electricity usage on Marinas in New Zealand.
From now all berth holders wishing to use power must have a regulation UV resistant Flex cable with a male and female adapter. These can not be permanently fixed to the marina structure which includes routing through conduits.
We are making final checks with Neutral Inspection services (NIS) of Cromwell but hope to be able to confirm that the WML will source supply and fit the cables for those needing them. The cable will be examined by NIS and issued with a 4 year Electrical Warrant of Fitness prior too fitting. The cost may be in the region of $150 which includes the cable, inspection and fitting. Please let us know if you intend to use the power in the future so we can arrange the cables for you.
DINGHY
We are offering for sale the green dinghy housed at the Marina entrance. It has only been used a few times in 2 years and Craig has acquired his own vessel he is happy to use around the Marina. We would just like to return what we paid for it so $1,000 if you or know of anyone in need of a very capable tender.
BERTH SALES
Currently berth numbers 16 and 80 are for sale by tender. (See terms and conditions and photographs on this site)
The closing date is noon on the 18th of January 2023.
MAINTENANCE
Craig and his assistant completed the repairs at the southern end of the Marina. This involved the replacement of load bearing joists and was no easy task. We should be very grateful to him for saving a large amount of money for WML. Thank you to those who volunteered their assistance but there wasn’t enough room for more than 2 to operate.
This will always be an ongoing project. Please report any defects if you should discover anything before we do.
COASTGUARD
The new Coastguard Rescue Vessel, Waiariki, will be berthed on the Marina from the 19th of December for a few weeks. This is to reduce response times as it is anticipated that manoeuvring during peak periods on the slipway will be difficult.
Even more reason why we need to be vigilant with security and at least making sure the gate is always closed. The CCTV will have to do the rest. Please say Hi to the volunteers if you see them on the Marina.
This year the charges for recovery of vessels on the lake has increased to $350/ hour. Annual personal Membership for one person plus partner and children under 18 is only $130. You do the maths. See the Coastguard NZ Website for details.
If anyone is interested the lottery tickets are available now. Just drop me a line. $10 each and there are some great prizes.
That is all for now so I wish you all a very merry and safe holiday period.
Mike Barker
Chair.

Marina Repair Update

Thanks for your patience while we recently completed critical structural repair work to the south end of the marina. The damage was the result stress from a recent storm on the aging timber.The broken main joists have now been replaced and new decking has been fixed. We now have full unrestricted access to all areas of the marina for the coming summer boating season.

Footpaths Works Timeframe

  1. Work continues on the footpath reconstruction project, with concrete 2degrees poured this Wednesday, November, 16th.

A temporary access way has been made for birth owners wishing to access the marina. Access is limited and we recommend for loading and unloading large amounts of gear the use of  the public jetty.

Works are projected to be complete by November 20th. Please take extra care as you move through the QLDC construction area.

Marina welcomes coastguard vessel Waiariki

Coastguard Wanaka Lakes has taken possession on their new Vessel ‘Waiariki’

The 9.5m Protector has the latest technology and equipment and was largely funded by Lotto NZ. They have distributed the Vessels used as support craft in the last americas cup to Coastguard units throughout NZ.

The new boat will be housed on the Marina for the summer enabling rapid response to vessels in need on Lake Wanaka.

Marina Entrance Footpath Repair

Wānaka Marina director, Mike Barker, has long been in consultation with QLDC regarding Stage 5 of the overall Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan and how it impacts access and safety around the entrance to the marina. As you will be aware, the footpath has been left unfinished at the marina entrance and has presented a safety concern since the last phase foreshore development was completed.We now have confirmation that work on completing the task will begin on Monday October 31st and will late for two weeks.

The marina will still be accessible, however there will may be times where access is restricted and construction and asphalt work takes place.

 

 

 

September Newsletter

Spring is here and with warm afternoons and blue skies, we are starting to see a lot more activity on the marina and the lake.
We have had some good new relating to progress on the removal of sediment from the delta buildup. ORC have issued us with a Certificate Of Compliance which will allow us to undertake the required works when the lake levels and conditions allow. This has been the result of determined efforts over many years by the directors and the operations team to get to this point. Thanks to all that were involved over time. We will keep you updated as plans for the removal works progress. Likely this will be in Feb/March when the lake is traditionally at its lowest.
In other positive news, the chairman’s determined efforts at keeping QLDC on task with repairing/completing works on the footpath at the marina walkway entrance have produced results. Work is expected to begin on that later this month.
Label plates are being installed at each berth, upgrading those that have faded or changed. Please let us know if you have any changes to your contact details so we can make amendments where necessary.
Craig (Marina Operations Manager) will be systematically working through the marina over the coming month(s) to tighten up bolts and replace boards to maintain the structure after the stresses of the recent severe weather. While we will pace cones around work areas, please take care where repairs are being carried out.
Recent high lake levels are receding slightly. However, the snowpack is well up on previous years and flood conditions usually occur in the spring/summer melt from mid November thru Jan. We will be monitoring this, and will provide updates here with any suggestions or actions required by berth owners in preparation should high water levels become a concern.
You may also see a work vessel/small barge around the marina and potentially around your berth while inspections and repairs are carried out. This belongs to Craig and is currently going through the survey process. The vessel also provides a stable and effective work platform for inspecting/replacing mooring lines where the attach to the float ring on the outer post.
Let Craig know at ops@wanakamarina.co.nz if you wish to inspect or replace any of your dock lines.
The next board meeting is on the 14th of October, should anyone have any questions they want raising. During that meeting a date will be set for the next AGM.
Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Regards,
The WML Board