“This is our harbour and we do not want an unnecessary extension to our people’s wharf.“
This was the strong message sent by several hundred protesters on land and sea, including CTA members, yesterday afternoon, 10 March.
The protest was organised by Stop Stealing our Harbour and M.Ced by its spokesperson, Michael Goldwater. Rousing speeches were given by Julie Stout, spokesperson for Urban Auckland; Nikki Kaye, Auckland Central MP; Waitematā Local Board Chair, Pippa Coom; Noelene Buckland, Chair of the Auckland City Centre Residents’ Group; Chris Dickson, America’s Cup yachtsman; and others.
Children on one of the boats that were part of the 30 plus flotilla circling off the end of the wharf chanted “Save it for us.”
The protest was to oppose Auckland Council’s plans to build a $14 million, 90-metre concrete extension from Queens Wharf into the harbour to enable even bigger cruise ships to berth.
See media commentary here from:
Protest crowd listening to speakers.
Protest from the boating flotilla.
Pippa Coom, Waitemata Local Board chair speaking, along with Noelene Buckland and Julie Stout.
Banner reads “Don’t be a Donald, Phil. Stop the Extension. No Extension.”