Boating Marina Built On Lake Taupo Shores

Press, Volume C, Issue 29652, 24 October 1961, Page 17

Boating Marina Built On Lake Taupo Shores

"The Press’’ Special Service

ROTORUA, October 23. A five-acre boating marina with mooring space for 300 boafs has been carved out of mud and weeds in Motuoapa Bay. on the southern shores of Lake Taupo. Largely through the efforts' of Mr E. Barling, a local justice of the peace, the harbour was built for the Motuoapa Bay Fishing, Shooting and Boating Association at a cost of only £2400. Early last year Mr Barling approached the Government on behalf of the association for permission and financial support for the scheme. After permission had been received, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Gotz) granted a subsidy of £250, which was “all that was available.”

At this stage the Government estimated that the whole project would cost about £20,000.

Mr Barling, helped by his wife, raised £lOOO by issuing debentures of £25 to boatowners, entitling them to use the harbour for five years at an annual rental of £5 Further funds came forward by donations from local residents.

Working while the lake was at a low level because of the filling of Lake Ohakuri, the marina was bulldozed and drained out of five acres and a half of swampland. A launching ramp was laid, a breakwater and roadway constructed round the marina and ground reclaimed as a parking area for cars and boats. Within five months' the harbour had been formed and all that is now required is general finishing work and rock facing of the breakwater.

The scheme has been turned over to the Government and with it plans for developing the whole bay as a major tourist attraction, complete with thermal baths from the near-by hot springs.